While the Do Justice Prayers usually address specific issues, and developments around the world, this week we would like to address prayers for those who work in these fields. For those doing the hard work of showing up every day to address, advocate, witness and work for the structural and societal reforms that are part of the our work of living gratefully into the truth of God’s redemption of His world, we pray:
For our sisters and brothers working for refugee and asylum seekers’ rights, even as rights continued to be taken away during this pandemic, Lord help them see the good stories. Open more doors and amplify their voices. Bring the right resources for the families they work with and help each continue one be a sign of Your love and hope for newcomers to our countries.
For our sisters and brothers who fearlessly call for racial justice in systems marked by the grave sin of supremacy, Lord, protect their minds, hearts and bodies. Continue to open the ears and eyes of those who have privilege to listen and obey your command to love as you love. And provide care and nourishment for those who speak bravely. Give freely your joy and abundance to restore and renew hearts weary from this work.
For our sisters and brothers who work to address the complex nature of poverty, homelessness, job insecurity and food insecurity, Lord grant them even more insight, partnership and cross-sector collaboration. Renew their hearts with expectant hope as they balance relief and sustainable solutions.
For our sisters and brothers who work to advocate for ecological and environmental justice, grant them assurance of your constant work in the soil, how your work continues even when nobody sees it. Give them hope, and grant them favor to speak well and clearly to all sectors and stakeholders with your Creator wisdom. Spark imaginations anew with your vision for sustained whole-earth flourishing.
For all those whose work it is to advocate for these and many more issues in places of power and influence, such as government bodies, churches, schools and in communities, Lord provide your spirit and your energy to keep going.
And forus, your covenanted people, called into existence by love, healed by grace, named your redeemed by sacrifice, and raised up from death by a power we dare not control, may we hear and see what you are calling us to hear and see, O Lord.
Inspired by Jenica Groot-Nibbelink
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