Americans were put on notice again last week. We were reminded, in horrifying fashion, that human life is fragile and temporary. We must not waste time in our efforts to love and improve lives of others around us.

A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas injured at least 200, killed at least 14 as of Friday and left authorities looking for scores of missing firefighters, cops and civilians.

Two bombs near the Boston Marathon’s finish line killed three, wounded nearly 200 — dozens seriously — and took from Americans a day that was supposed to be about life, health and accomplishment. Most Americans shed tears upon hearing about the 8-year-old boy who was killed moments after running to hug and congratulate his father for completing the race.

“In an instant, the day’s beauty was shattered. A celebration became a tragedy,” said President Barack Obama in an eloquent talk during an interfaith prayer service for the Boston bombing victims Thursday.

Amid the deadly blasts in Texas and Massachusetts emerged stories about a Philadelphia doctor accused of murders so gruesome we cannot present details in a family newspaper. Dr. Kermit Gosnell stands trial for butchering seven babies, born alive, and one mother in an abortion clinic that police referred to as a “house of horrors.”

Most Americans weep about the news that confronted them last week precisely because our civilized culture values life.

At times like this, we are reminded that we need each other. The rich need the poor and the poor need the rich. The weak need the strong and the strong can learn and take inspiration from those less fortunate. We may oppose our leaders during times of peace, but in crisis we must embrace them and respect their concern for the welfare of the collective.

During last year’s Waldo Canyon fire, President Obama said it best during a visit to Colorado Springs: “When these things happen, we pull together as one American family.” He emphasized prayer.

At the prayer service in Boston, Obama referenced Scripture and asked Americans to reclaim a “state of grace” in the wake of such tragic events.

“Scripture tells us to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Obama said.

Today, let us pray for those who suffer and for families and friends of the deceased. Pray for strength, wisdom and inspiration to help them in meaningful ways. We make the best of our time on this planet by improving our relationships. Love and acts of kindness are the currencies that matter most.

As we look at the devastation in our midst, give thanks for the gift of life. Each of us is a small and vulnerable person, whether we’re president of United States, an infant, a child watching his dad run a race or a firefighter giving her life so that others might survive.

Mostly, pray for the courage, strength and ability to make our world a better place that is less vulnerable to the forces of evil.

It is hard to see what good might come from the atrocities and suffering we witnessed and heard about last week. We pray it might be obvious, years from now. From these tragedies may emerge a culture that is stronger, more confident, more capable and more loving than before.