Praying for those who affected by Boston Marathon explosion

By now you have heard of the tragic bombing connected with the Boston Marathon yesterday. Our prayers go out to the victims and families of those impacted by this senseless violence. Our prayers also go out to the City of Boston and to Mayor Thomas Menino, who checked himself out of the hospital to travel to the bomb site.

In the midst of calamity, our faith sustains us. The poignant words of the Psalmist ring true; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1-2).

Let us walk in the strength of the Lord as we respond to this seemingly unspeakable tragedy. What follows is a list of suggestions that can be helpful as we journey in the aftermath of the bombing:

1) Pray. Prayer changes things and God meets us in the midst of prayer.

2) Send an email or a card to a Boston area church located near the marathon finish line:

• Union UMC (pastored by our own Reverend Jay Williams)
• Old South Church (pastored by the Reverend Nancy Taylor)
• Old West UMC (pastored by the Reverend Marion Easterling)
• Trinity Church (pastored by the Reverend Samuel T. Lloyd III).

3) Donate blood to the Red Cross as a tribute to the loss of life.

4) Volunteer time with an organization that fosters community building.

5) Address the tragic violence during worship; perhaps tweak an already finished sermon.

6) Pray some more.

As United Methodists, we have consistently held to our faith in times of trial. Let us continue to focus on our faith in Jesus Christ. Let our song be:

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”.

Bishop Martin D. McLee