out of fear

To all who are returning to work today feeling the weight of last week's tragedies... A prayer.

Great Creator, I want to thank you for this day, but I am mourning and afraid. The loss of so many small souls is breaking my heart and at such a wonder filled time of the year, I cannot imagine why they had to die. I too am filled with remorse for the boy who hurt so badly inside he had to take these lives, and I am so angry with a world where this can happen. I ask why, and cannot hear the answer, so I pray for patients and understanding. 
While I wait for an answer, I pray that today, as I look at the faces of those before me, may I see the whole person there? The love, the kindness, the pain and hurt, the soul that shines with the divine essence that each of us share. I pray that I may be present with each person, if but for a moment, so that I may relieve their pain, grow their courage and self-esteem and help them see that they are beautiful, wonderful and loved.
Oh Great One, who knows all, keep me aware of your presence. Hold my hand and lift me so that I may have the love and courage to be a light to others today and always. Grant me peace that I may carry an open heart with others and not build walls of fear. And give me the grace not to pass judgment on those whom I fear, that I may turn their hearts and keep them from harm too. Give me strength to imagine a better world and the courage to help build it.
Please make it so.