Justice and Worship

God, revealed in brokenness, when I am disconnected, I need you more.  When life is too fragmented, hold me together; when I have no words, understand my silent cries; when heart and soul are broken, hold the pieces till they ft together again; when my mind is all over the place, be with me always and everywhere.  - Tom Gordon

Raised Limits for Refugees Coming to the US in 2022

In 2021, the US admitted  lowest number of refugees since 1980.   

"God sees the broken as the best and he sees the best in the broken and he calls the wounded to be world changers." - Ann Voscamp 

Keep my anger from becoming meanness.
Keep my sorrow from collapsing into self-pity.
Keep my heart soft enough to keep breaking.
Keep my anger turned towards justice, not cruelty.
Remind me that all of this, every bit of it, is for love.
Keep me fiercely kind.
Amen. — Laura Jean Truman

Illuminate the shadows, and comfort those cast down. Illuminate the shadows, be our refuge in the time of storm.  O God our help in time of trouble. - The Porters Gate 

The church meets to imagine what our lives can be like if the gospel were true.  - Walter Brueggemann

I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed
When others say I'll never be enough
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world

- Greater Mercy Me

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. - Psalm 16:8

Continuing prayers for Afghanistan as last American soldiers leave the country

Lord, we ask that your spirit would not leave this land. We pray against any powers and principalities that would dehumanize and diminish your creation in Afghanistan and we pray for  life grow.  We pray for pathways to peace in every family, neighborhood and city during this chaotic moment in this country.   

It's hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises

-Thy Will (Hillary Scott) 

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief." - Ecclesiastes 1:18

Devastation in Haiti

An earthquake in Haiti last Saturday left over 1900 dead and Tropical Storm Grace has brought heavy rains, hampering rescue work. After last month’s assignation of its president, Haiti is in a time of political crisis and its health system is already stressed. Haiti, until only last month, had not received one covid vaccine dose. For these, your creation, we pray:

So won't you go there with me, down to the riverside
Where the water runs free
And you can let your heart swing open wide
Won't you swing it open wide? 

- Christy Nokles River of Grace