Prayer for the Jews of France

March 21, 2012Alden Solovy

A prayer for the Jews of France after today’s violence in Toulouse. See also: “At the Hand of Anti-Semitism: A Yizkor Prayer.”

Author of life,
Man has turned violent,
Cutting down children and their teachers
In Toulouse, France,
Our young and our leaders,
Our brothers and sisters,
Crushing lives,
Upending dreams,
Attacking hope with hatred.

Source and Creator,
Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace
To the victims of murder in Toulouse
Whose lives were cut off by violence,
An act of witless aggression
And calculated anti-Semitism.
Remember the survivors of this horror,
And the victims of any violence, suffering or despair.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
Grant them endurance to survive,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.

Heavenly Guide,
Hand of love and shelter,
Put an end to anger and hatred,
Bigotry and fear,
And lead us to a time when no one
Suffers at the hand of another.

For the sake of our people,
And for the sake of Your Holy Name,
Grant the Jews of France Your protection,
Your wholeness and healing,
And Your peace.

Postscript: This is an adaptation of prayers I wrote in response to violence in Norway and attacks in Mumbai, which were based on two of my other prayers, “At the Hand of Violence” and “In Devastation.” Find related prayers in my “Liturgy for 9-11.” Ask others to pray for the Jews of France by posting a link to this prayer on your Facebook wall or blog.

© 2012 Alden Solovy and To Bend Light. All rights reserved.

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