On Friday, December 14, 2012, 20 children were killed in a shooting rampage at an elementary scool in Newtwon, Connecticut. Seven adults, including the gunman, also died at the scene. As the families and freinds of he deceased mourn the loss of their loved ones, we pray for the children, and for all those whose lives have been affected by this tragedy.

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Our hearts are broken.

Today, in the midst of holiday cheer, 

we are painfully reminded of the cruelty and fragility of our lives together.

How do we live with such unimaginable grief?

How do we comfort such intolerable pain?

How do we care for each other in a world where violence seems so readily accessible?

Great comforter and protector,

We have no answers.

No words that can heal the broken heartedness we feel.

–Alydia Smith

You can download the full text of the prayer by clicking on the link at the United Church of Canada