Today marks a year since the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Those who were involved are still very much affected by the events of that night. For example, the doctors who were amongst the first to respond still recall it vividly:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/22/junior-doctors-recall-harrowing-aftermath-manchester-arena-bombing?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
As David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, said this morning, those affected will carry the consequences with them for the rest of their lives, and need to be kept, especially today, in the centre of our thoughts and prayers. As he said, God doesn’t have a timetable on grief; God doesn’t expect them to “get over it” at any specific time.
This prayer is to mark the anniversary.
We pray today for all those affected by the horrific attack on those attending the Ariane Grande concert one year ago, remembering that they came from many parts of the United Kingdom; we pray for those who died, that they may truly rest in peace and rise in glory; we pray for those who were injured, that Christ’s healing grace may bring them peace and heal not only their outward scars but their inward trauma; we pray for the families and loved ones of those who were killed and injured, that they too may find peace through the healing grace of Christ; and we pray for hospital staff and those in the emergency services, as well as civilians, who helped to care for the dying, the injured and the traumatised. We also pray, in sadness, for those who seek to express themselves in violence, that their hands may be stilled and their actions redirected through God’s mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ, lover of peace, we pray. Amen.
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