We invite you to participate in a united response to the killings of three children this week in our city by leading the following prayer and lament in your congregations on Sunday, February 19th, 2017:

LAMENTING THE LOSS OF OUR CHILDREN TO VIOLENCE

Sunday, February 19th, 2017

[Leader]

Lord, our hearts are grieved by the lives lost to violence in our city this week. By the demonstration of your love in Christ Jesus, you have called each and every life precious, and so do we.

[All]

These lives are precious, and we lament this violence.

[Leader]

This week has been particularly disheartening, as three children were killed on our streets. Innocent victims. Young lives taken away by gunfire.

Kanari, twelve years old. Takiya, eleven years old. Lavontay, two years old.

God, have mercy on our city.

[All]

God, have mercy on our city.

[Leader]

We refuse to become calloused to reports of crime and shootings in Chicago. We refuse to become jaded by the constant pain in the news cycle. We refuse to become apathetic towards the needs of individuals and families in our communities.

[All]

Lord, we refuse to be apathetic.

[Leader]

We cry out for the young people of our city. Children, we long and pray today that you will be safe. We want you to flourish. We will pray and work for shalom in Chicago.

[All]

Your lives are precious. We will pray and work for shalom in Chicago.

AMEN

Please share and invite other congregations to participate.