Today we hold space for grief. Grief, suffering, and loss touch all parts of our world in communal and personal ways. This week here in the United States, right in our hometown of Nashville, TN, we have experienced the tragedy and trauma of gun violence. We can become desensitized and unable to process so much tragic news. Often words alone seem inadequate. We need silence in the presence of a loving and compassionate God who sees our tears.

There is importance in sharing space for grief, to sit with our feelings, and help one another process our emotions.

In this meditation, we offer space to grieve and mourn - for ourselves and/or for those who are mourning. We make space to honor and remember each precious life. We make space to get in touch with our own feelings. And we make space to consider how God is calling us to action and to show compassion to those hurting.

We’ll be meditating on a prayer from Psalm 57, TPT.

We invite you to prepare a quiet place for this time of meditation. Perhaps light a candle. Don’t rush or hurry this time. Linger as long as you need to process your feelings. Allow the Spirit of God to minister to the places in your heart that need to be comforted and healed. Have mercy on me, O God…for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 57:1 NLT In Memory of:

Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9; William Kinney, 9 Hallie Scruggs, 9. Katherine Koonce, 60 Mike Hill, 61 Cynthia Peak, 61