Words cannot express the heartache we all feel as we watch news reports of student deaths on the campus of Virginia Tech today. Here are some prayers I’ve found that seem appropriate.

Blessed are you, Source of Life
Who helps us to bring
Light where there is darkness,
Healing where there is brokenness, and
Peace to all of the earth’s inhabitants.

This prayer was written by the staff of Kolot, a Jewish studies group, after the 9/11 tragedies.

Here’s another prayer fragment I found that works well in this instance:

Dear God, provide comfort to all of the grieving families and friends. We will be your partners, Lord, and shower your loved ones with Your message of concern and consolation.

–from a prayer adapted by Rabbi Eric M. Lankin, D.Min.