A prayer for an end to knife crime
This week, as the Knife Angel stands in Bury, a violent attack took place on the streets of the town.
Revd Julian Heaton, Rector of Bury Parish Church, situated close to the scene, shares this prayer for the three victims in Bury and for everyone affected by knife crime.
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Father of all,
We speak prophetically and hopefully of turning swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.
Yet young people still wield knives,
Blades puncture skin,
Lives are scarred,
Fear stalks our streets.
Hear our prayer for those affected by knives;
For victims of attack,
For parents, family, and friends,
For perpetrators and their families,
For neighbourhoods whose daily rhythm alters.
We ask you to
Give wisdom and courage to those who seek to keep our streets safe,
Skill to healers of mind and body to respond to trauma,
Insight to those who work with young people.
May we work creatively to build partnerships of trust and communities of peace and reconciliation with those who can influence our localities
And, in the power of the Spirit, become a people of deep hope and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our wounded Lord.
Amen.