A Prayer Service for the victims of the Boston Bombings (Word Version)
Introduction:
When the electricity goes out, we immediately look for the matches. We are not comfortable with darkness and with coldness. We don’t like unfamiliar sounds, silence and lack of warmth. Since the bombings at the Boston Marathon which killed 3 people and seriously injured over 100, people across Boston have experienced similar darkness and pain.
As a school community, we gather today to transform their sadness with our prayerful support.
We light a candle:
Invite pupils to stand as the candle is lit in silence. Repeat the poem at a slow and gentle pace.
A poem written by Ruth Patterson.
“I light a candle
and suddenly the world around me changes.
I am reminded yet again that one small flame is all it takes
to let the darkness know
that it cannot win.”
We listen to God’s Word:
– two images (cloud and fire) that God is with his people as they travel through the desert… (A reminder of the Paschal Candle)
A reading from the Book of Exodus
The Lord went before his people, by day in the form of a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and by night in the form of a pillar of fire to give them light: thus they could continue their march by day and by night. The pillar of cloud never failed to go before the people during the day, nor the pillar of fire during the night.
This is the Word of the Lord.
A psalm which Jesus prayed with Mary & Joseph and with his disciples and friends. this psalm offers reminders at celebrations of Baptism, First Confession, Communion, Confirmation of God’s eternal love and care.
The Lord is my shepherd,
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me,
to revive my drooping spirit. R.
He guides me along the right path,
he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff,
with these you give me comfort. R.
You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil,
my cup is overflowing. R.
Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
for ever and ever. R.
Gospel Reading
Lk. 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus
Reflection on the Gospel
It is not enough to conquer hunger or put an end to poverty.
Our goal must be to build a world –
a world developed to the full,
so much so, that all men and women,
no matter what their race or creed,
can live a truly human life.
Our goal must be, for every man and woman,
a life set free from all oppression.
Our goal must be, for every man and woman,
a life strong enough to master nature, and be free.
Our goal must be a world where liberty is real,
a world where Lazarus can sit at the rich man’s table.
Pope Paul II
Prayers of the Faithful:
We pray for the medical workers in Boston. Reward them for their vocation, service and care of injured people in the aftermath of the bombings.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Bless all who work in the Emergency Services and all those who offer help to the people affected by the Boston bombings.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
We pray for all the families of all the people who died and for those injured and affected by the bombings. May they have strength and courage over the days and weeks ahead.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus, you are the Resurrection and the Life. Raise up to glory all the faithful departed, and lift us up too in the hope of eternal life with you, Our Lady and all the saints.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
The Lord’s Prayer: Central America
Our Father,
Who is in us here on earth,
Holy is your name
in the hungry who share their bread and their song.
Your kingdom come,
a generous land where confidence and truth reign.
Let us do your will,
being a cool breeze for those who sweat.
You are giving us our daily bread
when we manage to get back our lands
or to get a fairer wage.
Forgive us
for keeping silent in the face of injustice
and for burying our dreams.
Don’t let us fall into the temptation
of taking up the same arms as the enemy,
but deliver us from the evil which disunites us.
And we shall have believed in humanity and in life
and we shall have known your kingdom
which is being built for ever and ever.
Sign of Peace
Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
Concluding Prayer
O God, you promise a world
Where those who now weep shall laugh;
Those who are hungry shall feast;
Those who are poor now, and excluded,
Shall have your kingdom for their own.
I want this world too.
I renounce despair.
I will act for change.
I choose to be included in your great feast of life.
Amen.
Silent prayer
Invite pupils and staff to stand for a minute’s silence in silence and solidarity with the people of Boston.