Justice and Worship

“There is not one little blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make men rejoice.” - John Calvin

The theme of this week's prayers is violence and praying for peacemaking.

Israel’s Military invades Jenin Refugee City

Israel military attacked the Palestinian refugee city of Jenin. More than a dozen have been killed, houses and infrastructure destroyed and hospitals were attacked. The increasing violence in the region has not been abated by this recent violence and the cycles of retaliation continue. We continue to pray:

One morning I was reading the story of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. The disciples could find only five loaves of bread and two fishes. 'Let me have them,' said Jesus. He asked for all. He took them, said the blessing, and broke them before He gave them out. I remembered what a chapel speaker...had said: 'If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad.' - Elisabeth Elliot

God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says— he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners— he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. God loves good people, protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. - Psalm 146:5 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. - Psalm 19:1-2

“Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. - Matthew 8:26 

Nova Kakhovka Dam Explosion

The Nova Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River in Russian occupied Ukraine broke open on Tuesday causing massive flooding, evacuations, deaths and major disruptions to power generation and distribution.  While the cause has not yet been verified, it is an example of the price of war borne by civilians.

From ocean unto ocean
our land shall name you, Lord
and, filled with true devotion,
obey your sovereign word;

- From Ocean unto Ocean

Art far from shore, and weary worn,
The sky o’ercast, the canvas torn?
Hark ye! a voice to thee is borne:
“Sail on! sail on! sail on!”

- Sail On!

Western States Reach Deal on Water Conservation

The Colorado River has been dangerously low and a usage deal was reached with there states that depend on it. California, Nevada and Arizona have committed to a 13% reduction in use over the next 3 years to conserve water for everyone. These decisions in a time climate change and extreme drought will be more common in the coming years. 

O Lord of heav'n and earth and sea,
To thee all praise and glory be!
How shall we show our love to thee,
Who givest all?

- O Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea

"He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish." - John 21:6

South Sudanese refugees have to return home as their safe place in Sudan is compromised

Refugees from South Sudan’s civil war who had been living in Sudan have now been forced to move back to their unsafe homes.  We pray for the tenuous living conditions for those most affected by conflict and struggles for power.