Prayer for Gilroy California

God, who calls people to make festivals,
ancient ones, modern ones,
celebrations of harvest,
like the Garlic Festival
that are opportunities for joy,
for music and food and laughter,

we pray for your tenderness
to surround the people of Gilroy
after this shooting.

Comfort those who mourn
family and friends,
especially a six year-old child,
taken by violence so young,
watch with those in the hospital,
hold the hands
of the traumatized,
heal ragged wounds of anxiety
among so many who fear
to go to any place of gathering.

Be with us, festival and funeral,
morning and evening,
moments we can offer compassion,
and times for courage to change
from a culture of guns to
a harvest of peace. amen