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Abolishing the Death Penalty in Ohio

A Meditation on Life and Grace
Meditation by the CSEA Spirit Team for the Abolition of the Death Penalty in Ohio.

Matthew 5:21-22a:

A Word on Anger: Don Huey, a surviving son, CSE

Reflection

Prayer: O God of love and compassion, send your Spirit to transform our hearts from anger to a compassion for those who would hurt us.

People: O God, hear our prayer.

Matthew 5:38-39, 43-44

A Word on Revenge: Tom Dipko, WRA

Reflection

Prayer: God of compassion, we pray for the families of the victims of crime. May they know your healing presence that transforms revenge into ways of love that they never thought possible. 

People: O God, hear our prayer.

Matthew 6:12, 14-15

A Word on Forgiveness:  Rachel Muha, a surviving mother

Reflection

Prayer: God of all mercy, we pray that surviving families and we may have the same spirit that was in Christ who cried out, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. 

People: O God, hear our prayer.

I John 2:1-2

A Word on Atoning Love: Frank Winegardner, NWOA

Reflection

Prayer: God of atoning love, you have shown us that you care as deeply for those who would harm us as you care for us.  Help us to see that Christ’s atoning love was for all those whom the world counts as unworthy as well as for ourselves.

People: O God, hear our prayer.

A Confessional Word: Phil Kahal, CSE

Remembrance  - Bill Barndt, CSE

 

Of the Victims – Charles Mitroff, Vinnie Price and Alexander Jones, Monte Tewksbury, Marlene Walters.

 

Of the Executed (Executions in Ohio were resumed in 1999.) -  Wilfred Berry, Jay D. Scott, John Byrd, Alton Coleman 

 

Prayer: O God, our strength and our redeemer, giver of life and conqueror of death, we praise you with humble hearts. With faith in your great mercy and wisdom , we lift up to you our remembrance of all these souls and hope that they are in your eternal care.

People: O God, hear our prayer

Intercession: Jack Davis, CSE

 

For the Families of Victims and Executed: 

O God, we pray for your Spirit to ease the pain of the grieving families. Relieve their deep sense of loss and protect them from any lingering feelings of anger and revenge; grant them a spirit of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness so that they may walk toward the future in freedom.

People: O God, hear our prayer

For Those on Death Row Who May Face Execution This Year: 

 

Robert Buell - Summit

Richard Fox - Wood
Jerome Campbell - Hamilton  Ernest Martin - Cuyahoga
Jerome Henderson - Hamilton  Tony Powell - Hamilton
Richard Cooey - Summit David Hamblin - Cuyahoga
Gregory Lott - Cuyahoga Maurice Mason - Marion

 

Merciful God, may these men not feel forsaken by you. Hasten to be with them with your love, mercy, and salvation. Grant them a spirit of repentance for the lives taken so that they may know the fullness of your grace, love and forgiveness.

People: O God, hear our prayer.

John Newton and “Amazing Grace” – Ron Hooker, CSE

 

Amazing Grace

 

Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost and now I’m found

Was blind but now I see.

Thru many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come

‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far

And grace will lead me home.

Meditation by the CSEA Spirit Team for the Abolition of the Death Penalty in Ohio.
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Abolishing the Death Penalty in Ohio