Following the events in Liverpool City Centre, the Revd Geoff Felton, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Mersey Synod, offers this reflection and prayer.
Yesterday [26 May] was to be a day of celebration and joy for families and friends, citizens and supporters. I found myself on Queens Drive amongst the crowds enjoying the atmosphere and comradery of the parade. I chatted with strangers and laughed at people climbing objects that ordinarily they would be arrested for. As the coach passed, there was a sense of congratulations for a job well done.
This sense of celebration soon became a scene of devastation and pain. In the light of the incident, we are reminded of the words of Isaiah who said: “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
As difficult as it may be, this is not a time for us to fear but a time to trust. We trust in God and we trust in the emergency services and justice system of our nation.
It was Michelle Obama who said “when they go low, we go high”. As a city region we will recover and will be stronger for it, but in the meantime let us “go high” by supporting those around us and listening to the concerns of our churches, friends and communities.
A prayer:
Loving God who holds our hand through times of difficulty and pain, we recognise the agony and devastation felt by so many at this difficult time.
As celebration moves to anguish, we pray you will be with those who experienced the scenes of devastation over the weekend.
Comfort those in pain, bring peace to those in turmoil and bring direction to those who are confused.
We lift before you those whose work is not yet complete, the emergency services, the council leaders and the investigation teams. May they work with diligence and wisdom to uncover the reasons behind the events of the weekend and bring closure to the tragedy of the weekend.
We look to Christ, who himself suffered for our sake and we pray all this in his name.
Amen
Image: David Tomaseti/Unsplash.