October 7: A Memorial Prayer

Rabbi Debra Smith

Eternal One, Creator and Sovereign of all Life:
We know you are grieved and mourn with us the loss of so many many innocent lives,
Victims of the war waged by Hamas last October 7.

Into a day celebrating peace,
Chaos, murder and savagery invaded
Initiated by Hamas upon the innocent.

Eternal One of Life:
We need this violence to stop NOW!
It tears our hearts and we know it breaks Yours.

Please comfort the shattered hearts of those
Who have endured untold losses,
Comfort those who are uncertain,
Who are praying there will be
Tomorrows in this life for their beloveds.

Yah, help ,them receive
The love and comfort You give them in this horrible
Time of unknowing.

Eternal One:
What can we do together to stop this madness?
We don’t want to be passive bystanders.
We want to be upstanders, paving the way for justice, peace, and healing.

God, our hearts listen to Your voice at this moment
What is it that You would have us do as Your partners
So that the world You created can triumph over evil in this hour?
Amen.