A Prayer for Shootings
We remember Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg and Tumbler Ridge
Grief can feel like this image … a dark forest with barely a path visible. For me, knowing others are praying for me is always helpful, like a light beyond the darkness … a promise of hope beyond the despair of loss.
This prayer originally was supplied by Alison Knight from Christ Church, Lion’s Head with the credit “H/T Anglican Fellowship of Prayer and Archdeacon Paul Feheley”. I simply edited to include the community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg, which experienced a murder-suicide shooting of a father and two daughters on Wednesday of last week. As often happens, the Indigenous tragedy got less press than the non-Indigenous tragedy.
Here is the edited prayer.
A Litany for Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg & Tumbler Ridge
Leader: Holy God, we come before you with hearts heavy and unsettled, recognizing that there is much we do not understand. The violence in Tumbler Ridge and Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg has shaken us, and we mourn what has been lost.
People: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Leader: We confess that we live in a broken world— a world where hurting people sometimes hurt others, and where fear, anger, and despair take devastating forms. Yet we trust that you are a God who heals, a God who restores, a God whose justice and fairness do not fail.
People: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Leader: For those whose lives were taken, for their families, friends, and all who grieve, gather them into the shelter of your compassion.
People: Hold them, O God, in your everlasting arms.
Leader: For those who were injured— in body, mind, or spirit— grant steady healing, courage, and the care they need.
People: Restore them, O God, with your healing grace.
Leader: For first responders who rushed toward danger, for their bravery, endurance, and service, we give you thanks. Strengthen them in the days ahead.
People: Uphold them, O God, with your steadfast love.
Leader: For survivors and witnesses carrying the weight of trauma, for those whose nights are restless and whose days are overshadowed by fear, bring comfort, resilience, and companions for the long road of recovery.
People: Surround them, O God, with your peace that passes understanding.
Leader: For the communities of Tumbler Ridge and Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg— now grieving, searching, and trying to make sense of what cannot be easily explained— bind them together in compassion and mutual care.
People: Strengthen them, O God, with your enduring hope.
Leader: For leaders, caregivers, and all who must navigate what comes next, grant wisdom, patience, and clarity. Let fairness and justice guide every decision.
People: Lead them, O God, in paths of righteousness.
Leader: And for us, O Lord— when we are tempted toward despair, remind us that your light still shines; when we are overwhelmed by sorrow, remind us that you are near; when we feel powerless,remind us that your healing is at work even now.
People: Make us instruments of your peace, O God.
Leader: Holy One, you are close to the broken-hearted and you save the crushed in spirit. Hold Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg AND Tumbler Ridge —their people, their pain, their fragile hopes— in your gentle and steadfast care.
People: For you alone are our refuge and strength. Amen.
forest Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Thank you for sharing that prayer.
Comforting 🥰