As you most likely already read, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori called for prayer following the explosions in Boston, MA, and offers the following prayer:

Gracious God, you walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.  We pray that the suffering and terrorized be surrounded by the incarnate presence of the crucified and risen one.  May every human being be reminded of the precious gift of life you entered to share with us.  May our hearts be pierced with compassion for those who suffer, and for those who have inflicted this violence, for your love is the only healing balm we know. May the dead be received into your enfolding arms, and may your friends show the grieving they are not alone as they walk this vale of tears.  All this we pray in the name of the one who walked the road to Calvary.

I also call your attention to the Episcopal News Service story, which ran yesterday, Boston Marathon bombs rock local Episcopalians.

Senseless tragedy like this call so much into question and can create anxiety, stress and fear in children. Yesterday my colleague Bronwyn posted a reminder of resources available to help families talk about tragedy. You will find the post here.

Other resources:

• Resources for dealing with tragedy, Forma
• Tips for breaking bad news to kids, Search Institute
• Dealing with tragedies in the world, Search Institute
• Resources following tragic events, Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
• Helping children cope with traumatic events, Share My Lesson
• Families and grief, Building Faith

Join me in holding the people of Boston and all who are affected by this tragedy in prayer.