Pastoral Message from +Bishop Scharf News & Updates- Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida

July 13, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I write this brief pastoral message, our nation is grappling with the aftermath of the horrific events that have transpired in Butler, Pennsylvania. Please join me in praying for former President Trump as he recovers. Pray for the rally attendee who was killed and all those who have been traumatized by today’s events. Pray for the shooter. Pray for an end to violence, division, and discord. And pray for the healing of our nation, that God would “take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish God’s purposes on earth.”

As we gather in our churches this Sunday, may our eyes and hearts be fixed on Jesus, who is our peace. May we renew our commitment to walk the way of love, to strive for justice, and to respect the dignity of every human being. May we approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in this time of need. You all remain in my daily prayers.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Yours in Christ,

+Bishop Scharf

Additional Prayers from The Book of Common Prayer

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.