God of many names,
We recall the events of 6 years ago at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
During a time of bible study and prayer, eight parishioners and the pastor were slain by one they welcomed.
People who gathered to seek and serve the God of their understanding were viciously murdered in the place they held sacred.
We know, YHWH Shammah, God who was and is there, that the first voice to cry out in horror, pain, and sorrow, must have been yours.
We know, El Roi, God who sees, that you witness our violence, racism, injustices, and our failure to demand, defend, and demonstrate “liberty and justice for all.”
We know, YHWH Rapha, God who heals, that there is much pain that leads to and results from on-going violence in our world.
YHWH Shalom, you are our peace.
Give us the grace to repent of our violence and to become blessed peace-makers.
Give us hope that justice will yet “roll out like waters.”
Give us the will and show us the way to “do justice, love mercy, and live humbly.”
Give us the courage to resist racism in our society and in our hearts, and to do the work of anti-racism.
Help us be better.
Help us do better.
Help us rise to the level of love, compassion, and justice that you desire, El Elyon, God Most High.
On this sad anniversary, we remember, and we bless the Mother Emanuel community of faith.
Amen.
--Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins
Senior Minister
Sunshine Cathedral
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