Violence in Mumbai

This is a prayer for victims of violence, a response to the attacks in Mumbai today. It’s an adaptation and combination of elements of two of my other prayers: “At the Hand of Violence” and “In Devastation.”

Violence in Mumbai
Author of life
Source and Creator,
Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace
To those who lost their lives the attacks in Mumbai,
Whose lives were cut off by violence,
An act of witless aggression.
Put an end to anger, hatred and fear
And lead us to a time when no one will suffer at the hand of another.
May their souls be bound up in the bond of life,
A living blessing in our midst.

G-d of justice and mercy,
Remember the survivors of this attack,
And the victims of any disaster,
Any violence, suffering or despair.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
Grant them endurance to survive,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.

Heavenly Guide,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant the people of Mumbai Your protection,
Your wholeness and healing,
And Your peace.

© 2011 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: My daughter Dana asked me to write “At the Hand of Violence” for Brendon z”l, her friend who was brutally murdered in the streets of Chicago three years ago. It first appeared here on April 21, 2011. “In Devastation” was a response to the earthquake in Haiti. It was posted on Jan. 11, 2011, for the first anniversary of that disaster. It has been revised and reposted for the earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan. For related prayers, see my “Liturgy for 9-11.”

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