God I don't know what to pray
Let's be honest I'm out of practice
At anything more than saying 
Someone's name
Imagining them held in light
Surrounded by love
But maybe that's enough
You already know more 
Than my words can express

So rather than fussing over
My lack of words
I'll light a candle
And say the name of my friend
Over and over and over again
With tears in my eyes
For the hurt they are holding

Trusting you to bring them comfort
To wrap them in a blanket of love
     Held safe amidst the heaviness of loss
To protect their heart
     Yet stay soft enough to care
To make space for their grief
     While giving strength for the work ahead
To remind them they are not to blame
     For the results of senseless violence
To bring gentle light into the darkness
     When it threatens to overwhelm
To encourage them in their desire
     For making the world a better place
To help them know they are enough just as they are
     And what they do matters even if it feels like it didn't