Justice and Worship

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.  - Psalm 143:8

In response to the continued calls for racial justice around the world, we devote our prayers again this week to confession and the reconciliation of the church.

Inspired by the Belhar Confession

The last few weeks have shaken us again.  This is not business as usual or prayer as usual.  Our African American sisters and brothers in Christ have been calling for lament, for equality, for justice, for a long time.  And so we have not asked them to teach us something new.  Rather, we point you to prayers and laments written several years ago when we found ourselves in similarly raw moments.  Join us in lament and on this long journey of pursuing racial justice.

Welcome to the Throne Room, welcome to the place where He shows His face. Oh, worship in spirit and in truth.  Welcome to the Throne Room.  - CeCe Winans

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:

Our Phone2Action partner launched #HearUsOut to help you send a personalized message to federal elected officials.  It is now avaliable to Canadians.  By selecting a topic within the action alert, you’ll be able to provide direct feedback on the COVID-19 response affecting vulnerable people in your community. The following paragraphs will be embedded in your action alert when you select a specific topic to take action on.  You can also copy and paste these paragraphs into communications with your official as necessary!

Hear my prayer, Lord;  let my cry for help come to you.  Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.  Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. - Psalm 102:1-2

Bethany Christian Services

This week, Bethany Christian Services is asking for prayer after an increasing number of their clients who are essential workers are diagnosed with COVID-19.  Their work with refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers guides, advocates, and supports key settlement locations around the globe, including the U.S.

Prayers To The One Who Makes Peace

Take out all our hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of living, beating flesh.  Transform us into instruments of your peace.  

You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. - Psalm 56:8

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1).  As news of COVID-19 dominates not only our news cycles but also our hearts and minds, these words from the psalmist remind us of our continued trust in our Creator. With this in mind, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day today with a renewed sense of hope, that indeed, our earth and creation will one day be restored and reconciled with our Creator.

His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. - Psalm 91 (The Message)