Jesus called the children to him

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Christ with children by Carl Heinrich Bloch

Today, we are saddened by the violent tragedy in Connecticut today that took the life of 26 people, including 18 children. We cannot understand this kind of wanton violence, even given that the shooter may be mentally deranged. All we can do is offer profound sympathy to the family and friends of the victims, and to pray for all involved.

Scripture

See to it that you do not treat one of these little ones with contempt; I tell you, they have angels of their own in heaven, that behold the face of my heavenly Father continually. - Matthew 18.10 Knox

Let the children come to me, [Jesus] said, do not keep them back; the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Mark 10.14 Knox

Jesus called the children to him, and said, Let them be, do not keep them back from me; the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Luke 18.16 Knox


Prayers offered from the Episcopal Church: 


Almighty Father, receive we pray into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims, and by your great power, frustrate the designs of evil and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Deal mercifully, dear Lord, with those who are so broken that violence is the only answer they see. We who wait for the Prince of Peace offer our prayers for the victims of violence everywhere.



Prayers offered by Metropolitan Savas Zembillas, of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Pittsburgh:


O God, our Heavenly Father, Who loves mankind, and are most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon our children, Your servants, (their names), for whom I humbly thank you and pray to You, and commend them to Your gracious protection. Be their their guide and guardian in all their endeavors. Lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them near to You, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear, doing Your will in all matters. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, through the grace of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, the intercessions of His Holy Mother, and all Your saints. Amen.

Another prayer for the children

O Merciful Lord Jesus Christ! To You I entrust our children, which You gave to us... I ask You, Lord, save them in the ways which only You know. Keep them from vices, evil, pride and may nothing touch their souls that is repugnant to You. But faith, hope of salvation, love give to them, that they be chosen vessels of the Holy Spirit unto You, and may their life’s path be holy and pure before God.

Bless them, Lord, that they may strive to execute Your Holy Will, so that You could always be with them in Your Holy Spirit!

Lord! Teach them to pray to You, so that their prayer be a support, a joy, in grief and comfort in their lives. May Your Angels protect them always! May our children be sensitive to the grief of their close ones and may they fulfill Your commandment of love. And, if they sin, permit them, Lord, to bring You repentance, and You in Your (immeasurable) mercy forgive them. When their earthly life ends, take them to Your Heavenly Residences, to which they may also lead others with them.

By the prayers of Your Ever-Pure Lady Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and Your Saints ... Lord, have mercy and save us.

Glory to You with Your Father Who Is without beginning and with Your All-Holy, Good and Lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, unto ages of ages. Amen.