God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we come to you burdened and grieved
by the evil and destruction of gun violence,
entrusting to your mercy
each victim of this horrific crime.
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
who console us in our every affliction,
comfort the families and friends of each victim,
give solace to grieving communities,
and bring peace to anxious hearts.
O God, who show a father’s care for all,
pour out your gracious blessing
on police, medical personnel, leaders,
and all who are your ministers of mercy,
bringing them healing and peace in the face of this tragedy.
O God of peace, who are peace itself
and whom a spirit of discord cannot grasp,
nor a violent mind receive,
grant to those who are tempted to commit these acts
repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
so that they may return to their senses
and escape the snare of the devil,
entrapped by him, for his will.
O God, author and lover of peace,
defend against every attack those who cry to you,
so that all who trust in your protection
may not fear the weapons of any foe.
O God, merciful and strong,
be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst
and to wipe away all tears,
so that we may all truly deserve to be called your children.
This prayer is found in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' document "In Response to Gun Violence."