Collect for Lives Lost in Kabul
On August 26, 13 members of the U.S. military and more than 100 Afghan civilians were murdered at the Kabul airport by a terrorist suicide bomber. In remembrance of this tragic loss of life, heartfelt compassion for those who mourn and prayers for our national resolve, our priest associate, the Rev. Marc Smith, composed the following collect which was offered in our worship services on Sunday, August 29.
The Collect
O: God of unbounded love, may your angels welcome the members of the U.S. military and Afghan civilians murdered on Thursday into your eternal embrace, and number them forever among your saints. Lord, in your mercy …
P: Hear our prayer.
O: God of immeasurable compassion, comfort those who mourn their loss, strengthen their faith, give them courage to face the hollowness of a life no longer among them and the uncertainty of the days ahead. Lord, in your mercy …
P: Hear our prayer.
O: God of righteousness, temper our impulse for revenge and ennoble our pursuit of justice. Lord, in your mercy …
P: Hear our prayer.
O: God of grace, embolden us even in the midst of tragedy and unfathomable loss to be instruments of peace, showing forth the light of hope made present in Jesus Christ, who with you and your Spirit hold us all in your arms. Lord, in your mercy …
P: Hear our prayer. Amen.
