The Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Wessex Synod, offers this prayer in response to recent violence in Southampton, and in sorrow for all who have been harmed, frightened or bereaved following the murder of Henry Nowak.
God of justice, mercy and peace,
we pray for the city of Southampton.
We hold before you the family and friends of Henry Nowak,
and all who grieve his death.
Surround them with compassion, truth and love,
and protect their sorrow from being used to deepen hatred or division.
We pray for all who are afraid today:
for local residents whose streets have become places of fear,
for communities made anxious by racism, suspicion or blame,
for those injured in violence,
and for all who are working to restore calm.
As a Church committed to becoming actively anti-racist,
we confess that racism wounds the body of Christ
and distorts the life of our communities.
Give us courage to name injustice clearly,
to listen to those whose experience is too often dismissed,
and to resist every attempt to turn grief into prejudice.
As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
we reject violence as a way of seeking justice.
Teach us the discipline of non-violence,
the patience of truth,
and the costly work of reconciliation.
Where public trust has been damaged,
let there be honesty, accountability and careful investigation.
Where anger is justified,
let it be turned towards justice and not hatred.
Where communities are divided,
raise up peacemakers who are neither silent in the face of injustice
nor careless with the safety of others.
God of all people,
make us instruments of your peace:
strong against racism,
steadfast in hope,
gentle with the wounded,
and brave in the work of justice.
In the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Image: Andres F. Uran/Unsplash.