The Joy and Sadness of Orlando

Orlando, Florida has always been known as the world capital of joy, happiness and entertainment, especially around the area of Disneyworld. Millions of families, children and parents travel there every year to see the hundreds of attractions, use the roller-coasters, and meet the likes of Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and their friends. However over this past weekend, a horrific tragedy caught the attention of every human being as 49 citizens were gunned down, while another 54 were seriously injured, besides turning the spirit and morale of the people upside down. Let us pray and remember the victims, and for this reason I offer this prayer for those who lost their lives, and those still recovering from their injuries.

Heavenly Father, we pray today for a city that needs healing, a city that has entertained millions of visitors, but now needs comfort and solace. We pray for the victims who died innocently and so tragically. We pray for the injured that they will fully recover from their wounds. We pray for the spirit of Orlando, that the people there can rise up and be proud of their community spirit as they pray for healing. We ask your blessing Lord, on all the police officers and security people who work tirelessly to protect the citizens of the world. Keep us safe Lord, especially in our control of guns and armaments, and let us all speak with the language of love, not violence; let us preach peace and not hatred; let us shed light and not darkness; let us instill hope not despair. Eternal rest grant unto those who died, Lord, and let your perpetual Light shine always upon them. Amen.