Today as we remember the struggle for a better society and a true, compassionate democracy, and as we are confronted with the reality that we have not yet made our country or our souls as great as they can be, we remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr who said “It is not the hateful words of our enemies that impede us, but the resounding silence of our friends.” The two prayers below from Sunday worship remind us of God’s mercy AND God’s insistent call to build a kin-dom of justice and joy together. May these prayers guide you and strengthen you for “prayer in action” this week, and may the love of Jesus teach us love for others.
Prayer of Confession:
We confess, O God, that in the hope of building a society that demonstrates your impartial and immense love for all persons, we have not yet succeeded. We have been silent friends when our voices were needed. We have been distracted bystanders because we already had what we needed. And as for risking time, talent or treasure in the service of a better world, we haven’t shown up, stood up, or paid up as we ought. We need a better way, and we pledge ourselves to seeking it in light of your call to us. Forgive us our past and mold our future with your mercy and grace. Amen.
Prayer for Strength:
Wherever your charity and love prevails, the wine of joy and justice flows and flows. We who are often worried about the joy running out, pray that we might carry water for you so there can be hogsheads of grace. We who are often at the head table and front of the line, we pray for all to have a seat and for the abundance of your Spirit to make Love our supper and justice our dessert: enough for each, and plenty for all. We pray that our aches and pains–both in body and soul– might be eased by the touch of angels. We especially ask that whatever wounds we carry might not wound others as we jostle to the feast. There are so many ways to serve you, so many gifts in our midst. We celebrate you, the giver, you the gift, have placed in our midst all that we need.
You can enjoy the full video service here:
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