Father,
Today, we worship and honor you as God and thank you for the gift of salvation through your Son Jesus.
We pray today for the families and friends of those who suffered great loss this past weekend in Nova Scotia. May you heal hearts and minds during this time of grief and confusion.
We give our thanks for the men and women who go on doing their duty in the face of loneliness, misunderstanding, and danger.
We pray for those who serve us in our world and community at hazard to their lives: those in health care, police and firefighters and all others whose work demands constant risk.
Father, bless their courage with the peace that they, and we, are praying for.
Forgive us, Father, if we ever take for granted what others are doing
so that we can live in peace and safety.
Make us the kind of people who appreciate these blessings.
We expect others to show courage in the line of duty.
If, once in a while, we must stand up
and show a little courage of our own,
help us to set an example by being the kind of people
Christ has called us to be.
In the name of Jesus, we pray.
Amen.