A prayer of comfort
The following prayer was read by LFC chaplain Bill Bygroves at the vigil that followed the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report.
A PRAYER OF COMFORT FOR THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THE 96
I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But I was none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow
Never a word spoke she;
But oh! The things I learned that day
When sorrow walked with me
Heavenly Father, the families and friends of the 96 have walked so many miles with sorrow and still their journey continues.
Tonight we pray for them all, knowing that each of the families have their own memories, heartaches and sorrows to bear.
Minister your comfort in their ongoing trauma.
Bind up the wounds of their painful memories.
Bring healing to their broken hearts and grant them 'the peace that surpasses all understanding' in the midst of their pain.
Where there is injustice bring truth
Where there is anger bring calm
Where there is weakness bring strength
Where there is weariness bring rest
Where there is doubt bring faith
Where there is despair bring hope
Quieten their fears, dry their tears and heal their hurt.
We ask this in the name of Him who is 'the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief' who brings hope to all our hearts, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.