Bp. Jelinek Offers Prayers

From the Right Rev. James L. Jelinek of the Diocese of Minnesota in response to yesterday's bridge disaster:

On behalf of the Diocese of Minnesota, we offer our prayers to all who are affected by the devastating bridge collapse in Minneapolis yesterday (August 1). The University Episcopal Center is about a half mile away from the site, and, to our knowledge, all are fine.

The prayers and well wishes have been streaming in overnight from across the country. People are checking in with one another – quick emails that say "you ok?" and "we're fine" are filling the airwaves. We will keep all posted with any news we receive regarding people we know and love who were victims or witnesses in any way. We've had many questions asking, "What can we do?" For now, we'll let the emergency personnel do their work and let them tell us what might be helpful when they are ready. But we can do what we do best – pray.

We pray for those who have died, may their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who may still be trapped, those who are injured, and for those whose loved ones have not yet been accounted for. We pray for perseverance, and strength, and hope.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those whose vocation serves the common good: for first responders, search and rescue, fire fighters, police officers, paramedics, for those who work in hospitals and blood banks; the newsrooms and media centers; for places of prayer – our churches and temples and mosques and our homes.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in leadership: for our governor and mayors, for state and federal agencies, and for coordination of services in the immediate and distant future.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for ourselves and our children. Calm our fears, comfort our sorrow, and guide our response. Set us at the difficult task of studying and rebuilding for the future. Grant us patience in the days ahead.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and they also have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer

J.