A prayer for Newtown

Dearest Jesus, who wept at the death of your friend and taught that they who mourn shall be comforted, grant us the comfort of your presence in our loss. Send your Holy Spirit to direct us lest we make hasty or foolish decisions. Send your Spirit to give us courage lest through fear we recoil from living. Send your Spirit to bring us your peace lest bitterness, false guilt, or regret take root in our hearts.

The Lord has given. The Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

O sweet mother Mary, who knew the sadness of mourning those your heart loved most — Jesus, your Son, and Joseph, your devoted spouse — pray for us in our time of loss. Amen.