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Help for congregations responding to the Virginia Tech tragedy
Many churches are responding to the tragedy at Virginia Tech
by holding special services, vigils or times of prayer. The following
prayers, scripture readings and hymns are provided to help in planning those
services. Sermon helps for April 22, 2007 lectionary texts
are also available.
Prayer for a time of tragedy
God of compassion,
you watch our ways,
and weave out of terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy
with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
may they find you and be comforted;
through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
—Book of Common Worship, 836
Prayer in a time of personal crisis
God of life,
there are days when the burdens we carry
are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down,
when the road seems dreary and endless,
the skies gray and threatening,
when our lives have no music in them,
and our hearts are lonely,
and our souls have lost their courage.
Flood the path with light,
turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise;
tune our hearts to brave music;
give us the sense of comradeship
with heroes and saints of every age;
and so quicken our spirits
that we may be able to encourage
the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life,
to your honor and glory. Amen.
— Attributed to Augustine of Hippo
(354-430), Book of Common Worship, 828
Psalm 5:1-8, 11-12
Psalm 57
Psalm 23
Psalm 46:1-7
Psalm 61:1-5, 8
Psalm 121
Isaiah 40:28-31
Isaiah 65:17-25
Romans 8:14-23, 31-39
I Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 50, 53-58
Revelation 21:1-4, 22-25; 22:3-5
Luke 23:33, 39-43
John 11:17-27
John 14:1-6, 25-27
Hymns, Songs, and Spiritual Songs
- “Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace,” Presbyterian
Hymnal, 374
- “How Firm a Foundation,” Presbyterian
Hymnal,
361
- “Precious
Lord, Take My Hand,” Presbyterian Hymnal, 404
- “My Shepherd Will Supply
My Need,” Presbyterian Hymnal, 172
- “Abide with Me,” Presbyterian
Hymnal, 543
- “Jesus, Remember Me,” Presbyterian
Hymnal,
599
- “Ososo / Come Now, O Prince of Peace” Sing!
A New Creation, 209
- “Wait for the Lord,” (Taizé Community) Sing! A New Creation,
96
- “In God Alone,” (Taizé Community) Sing!
A New Creation, 187
- “O Lord, Hear My Prayer,” (Taizé Community) Sing!
A New Creation, 203
Sermon helps for April 22, 2007 lectionary texts
This coming Sunday’s lectionary texts speak of
life and hope, words that take on particularly pointed meaning in the face of
the tragedy at Virginia Tech.
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20): Saul, intent on violence and murder, is overcome
by the holy and is transformed into an apostle. In the face of senseless
tragedy, we are reminded that the overwhelming power of the God of love, justice,
and peace can bring life and hope out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
Psalm 30: The psalmist thanks God for sustaining him or her through
great trial, and gives thanks for healing. God restores life to those who
have been to the depths.
Revelation 5:11-14: This vision of heavenly worship expresses praise
for Jesus, the Lamb who was slain for the sake of the world. The Lord who
died a violent death at the hands of misguided people took on every sin and every
sorrow that the world might have life through him. This is a promise of
future hope that sustains our hope and faith today.
John 21:1-19: This story of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance
to the fishing disciples reminds us that God makes a way where there is no way,
bringing abundance where there is emptiness, joy where there was only sorrow. Jesus’ resurrection
gives us the promise of life after death, and the assurance of God’s healing
and restoration in this life.
Candlelight Vigil
A Candlelight Vigil Remembering
Those at Virginia Tech 
by the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of
Lyons in Lyons, N.Y. |
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