A prayer in the wake of the Boston bombings

Editor’s note: Mindi Welton-Mitchell, who grew up in the Wasilla area and graduated from Wasilla High, is the daughter of Sarah R. Welton. She offers this prayer for the Boston bombings.

To the editor:

Based upon Psalm 23, which is part of the Revised Common Lectionary readings for this Sunday:

Shepherding God, you are the one who leads us into life. In the wake of the terrible acts of cruelty and horror in Boston, lead us away from fear and revenge and instead to the still waters and green pastures of love, grace and peace. Guide and guard, our hearts so that we might not react out of anger and hatred ourselves, but out of love for humanity that comes from your love. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and justice for your name’s sake.

Even though we walk through the darkness of bombings, of shootings, of war in our world — the shadow of death looms near — we will not let fear overtake us. We will not fear evil in this world, for you are with us as a shepherd is with his sheep. You are comforting us as a mother comforts a hurt child. We feel your hand on our shoulder as we walk through these dark days.

In the presence of those who hate, you are preparing the table of love for us. You bless the ones who love and call us to be transforming love in the world, so that even the ones who hate will be transformed by your love. Our blessings overflow because of the love you have shown through our reaching out to one another — through the acts of kindness, the caring strangers, the daring first responders, the solidarity of Bostonians and Americans and human beings.

Surely goodness and mercy will be with all of us all the days of our life. Surely goodness and mercy will overflow and overwhelm any acts of evil in this world. Surely goodness and mercy will overcome the world, and we will dwell in the love of God forever. Amen.

Pastor Mindi Welton-Mitchell

Burien Community Church,

Burien, Wash.