Dear Restoration Family,
“Break the power of the ungodly and malicious; search out his ungodliness until you have brought it all to light.” Ps 10:17
As I’m sure many of you are aware, in the last few weeks, three children have been shot and left to fight for their lives in the city of Minneapolis. Sadly, we learned today that 6-year-old Aniya Allen has died.
Several members of our community will be gathering alongside other Christian brothers and sisters for a prayer vigil and demonstration this evening at North Memorial Hospital at 6pm. We will gather to lament, to mourn, and to pray for God’s intervention on behalf of our city. If you are able to join, you may text Jamie or Laura VL for more details. Their information is in Breeze.
If you are unable to make it, please join us in praying for the victims, their family, friends, and community, as well as the perpetrators of these acts. Below are some prayers from our BCP in case you find yourself, like me, at a loss for words.
For the family of Aniya Allen:
Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: deal graciously with those who mourn Aniya Allen. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the recovery of Ladavionne Garrett Jr. and Trinity Ottoson-Smith:
Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore your mercy for your servants Ladavionne & Trinity, that by your blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them with your healing gifts, they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the perpetrators of this violence:
Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
In powerful name of Jesus, who binds our wounds, accompanies us in sorrow, and exerts true justice,
Molly
Pastor of Outreach
