-Jesus in Luke 23:28
It has been said that when an older person dies, we lose a library. What do we lose when children die, especially so tragically? We lose a planet, a star, and pieces of the universe because precious lives have been shattered.
Keep our children safe, O God, because children matter most.
Conversations about what is wrong with our society seem so meaningless when hearts are broken, when elementary school children are slaughtered in a place that should be a safe haven. They are sacrificed on the altar of gun violence.
Keep our children safe, O God, because children matter most.
Our prayers go out to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Lord, have mercy on the students and teachers and parents and friends and communities crushed by the pain of another school shooting. Keep our children safe, O God, because children matter most.
We pray for the families who are weeping in shock and grief. Again. We pray for the teachers and students whose lives were taken on days meant for learning and living. Again. We pray for our county in a state of grief. Again.
We keep witnessing this nightmare over and over. When will it end?
Keep our children safe, O God, because children matter most.
I am thankful that even in the midst of a postponed General Conference, we have not wavered from our Conference-wide dedication to declare that Children Matter Most.
Today, there will be weeping in Uvalde, Texas, and all over the world, for another senseless tragedy. For innocent lives lost.
…but they do not grieve alone. Prayer warriors, I plead with you to resurrect prayer bands and prayer walks. We should never leave the hurting to mourn and grieve alone. At a distance or up close, we bear each other’s burdens and share each other’s tears.
Keep our children safe, O God, because children matter most.
Be encouraged in Jesus,
Julius C. Trimble
Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church