Gracious God, we pray for the victims of the attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, for their families and neighbors, and for everyone in the world for whom 2025 began in violence, fear, and injustice. For us who follow the way of Jesus Christ, may our new year’s resolutions make us instruments of daily reconciliation, beginning locally in every home, family, church, and workplace, confident that our ministry will help accomplish the universal purposes of our God in Christ, who promised to bring all things together in love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(Photo: In New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Gerald Herbert/AP)