May You Be Glorified by This, Our Testimony

We expect to suffer in life.
We even expect to experience loss.
       But not of the youngest child
              not of a son
              not of a college freshman.
Be our help, oh God, in dealing with this tragedy so unexpected.
Be present in our times of shock.
Be present in our times of confusion.
Be present in our times of deepest mourning.
Be present as we learn to worship in our sorrow's midst.
Be present as we learn to grieve corporately as brothers and sisters.
Be present as we learn to embody the love and comfort of Jesus Christ.

We praise you that this presence has been felt.
            it has sustained us,
            it has blessed us,
            it has given us joy despite all odds,
            it has granted us peace beyond all understanding.
For the blessedness that is our communion together in Jesus Christ, we praise you.

You are exactly who you claim to be.
We know that now more than ever.
May you be glorified by this, our testimony.
For your name's sake use it,
and we will praise you yet again.

At the name of Jesus we bow, and ask these things.

Amen.