At the University of the Cumberlands (formally Cumberland College) we gathered at the Patriot's Park where a beam from the World Trade Center was dedicated in memory of those who died September 11. We started and ended the service with prayer.The following litany was read, and then our Liberty Bell was struck 13 times in memory of those killed at Columbine and then 32 times in memory of those killed at Virginia Tech.

 

 

Prayer Litany – April 20, 2007

We Offer Prayers of Compassion, Peace and Healing:

For the those who were killed

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the families of those who were killed

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For those who were wounded and for their families

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the friends of those who were killed or wounded

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the doctors and nurses caring for the wounded

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the students and faculty at Virginia Tech

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the police officers who responded to and will investigate the shootings

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For all who have authority to respond to this violence, especially
political and religious leaders

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For all of us as we share in the suffering of our brothers and sisters

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

 

We Offer Prayers of Thanksgiving:

We give thanks for all acts of mercy and forgiveness that took place during the shootings

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We give thanks for all acts of courage that took place during the shootings

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We give thanks for all acts of compassion that have taken place in response to the shootings

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We give thanks for all acts of justice that will take place in response to the shootings

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Finally, we give thanks that we are united by the bonds of our common life
in offering these prayers for one another, and we hope that those for whom we pray will pray for us as well.

Amen.

April 22-28 is national Crime Victims' Rights Week, which is set aside each year during the 4th week in April.  There will be gatherings and candlelight vigils across the country for all victims of crime.  Sadly, there are more victims each day, each week, each year.  Mary Kate Gach