Lord, In Your Mercy

O God, our healer, once again we stand in shock and horror at the presence of racial violence in our country.  We stand in mourning for police officers and protesters who have died because of that violence.  We pray for those who have been injured and for a community that has been traumatized because of the depth of racial hatred that seems to know no end.  We pray for those who, in peace, stand for justice, for community, for understanding, and for love that sees beyond racial, ethnic, national, and religious divides.  By your might, gracious and powerful God, break the bondage that bigotry, hatred and violence impose on their victims and their perpetrators. May your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.  Lord in your mercy,