As we gather together in shock and sadness at the unfolding tragic events in America today, let us join our hearts in a network of prayer and meditation that reaches around the globe. Please join me in a unified prayer throughout the day to heal the hearts of people who hate. Please pray with me today that those who have suffered a loss of someone dear will be healed. Please pray with me today that we do not live in fear, but in understanding. Please pray that those who travel will travel safely. Please pray for the possibility that all can be well in the world. Let me in addition suggest and offer the following prayer... Almighty and Gracious God, before whom all generations rise up and pass away; we are dismayed and perplexed by the unfolding events far and near that are beyond our control, and even beyond our comprehension. We feel ignorant and powerless in the face of such devastations, and we are consumed by self-doubt and despair. Amid a flood a conflicting emotions, tears, sadness, and grief, and in the numbness of the moment, we pause to pray for peace within our own hearts and the hearts of our loved ones, for peace within our own nation and among the world's nations. Inspire our quest for national unity with an equal measure of respect for human diversity. May those who govern people everywhere pause and remember that the primary function of government is to provide for the security and well-being of all people. May the peace we are praying for be marked by a commitment to justice and compassion for all the world's people. Author of Life, We pray for all of our sisters and brothers whose nations are in the throes of violent change. Empower us to do what we can to translate compassion into action, and show us that, with your assistance and care, we can always do more than we believe possible to overcome our fears and help bring peace to our hearts and to our generation. Amen.