God, I am angry[1] today.
I have been angry before.
I fear I will be angry again.
God, I am an angry
because of the shooting
at Club Q in Colorado Springs.
God, I am angry
on behalf of your beloved children
who were killed.
God, I am angry
on behalf family and friends
who grieve the death of individuals they loved.
God, I am angry
on behalf of your beloved children
who were wounded in body, mind, and spirit.
God, I am angry
at the hate that some people carry
and the violence it can inspire.
God, I am angry
at how your LGBTQIA+ children, made in your image,
are marginalized, harassed, discriminated against and targeted.
God, I am angry
to hear that Club Q was one of the few safe spaces for your LGBTQIA+ children.
Where the [colorful metaphor deleted] were the followers of Jesus?
God, I stand in awe and give thanks for
the patrons of Club Q
who stopped the shooter.
God, I am grateful
for first responders
who provided care to individuals in need.
God, I ask guidance and strength
for medical personnel
who will co-operate with you to bring about healing.
God, I recommit
to work to overcome hate
and to seek to address gun violence.
God, I will act,
but for today,
I am angry.
Amen.
[1] Substitute your favorite “colorful metaphor” each time “angry’ is used – or whenever you choose to express your anger more bluntly.
Along the Graybeard Trail 