Archive for July, 2021

Autocracy

July 11, 2021

Today’s prayer borrows from Psalm 83

See how the enemies of democracy are astir.

With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against the freedoms you cherish.

“Come” they say. “Let us destroy this diverse nation, let democracy be no more.”

With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against us.

All those who lie, those who deny justice, those who seek power at our expense,

Make them like tumbleweed, O Lord, like chaff before the wind.

As fire consumes the forest, or a flame sets mountains ablaze, so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm.

May their efforts perish in disgrace.

Cover their faces in shame, and let those who seek your love, your compassion, your mercy prevail.

Amen

Freedom

July 4, 2021

On this 4th of July Lord help us pause and see how much we have to lose if we lose our democracy.

Move us away from the resentments, and divisions that enable the slow creep of autocracy.

May we recognize how much we use our shared freedoms of thought, expression, and association, and the vibrancy those lend to our communities.

Help us protect these for both ourselves and others, slowing the corrosive attacks on views that differ from our own, and challenging appeals to hate and fear.

For the growth of tyranny in its many forms will eventually threaten even those of us who enjoy quiet neighborhoods, regular schedules, good food, and adequate pay.

Without change, even we will some day awake and look at the wreckage and wonder, how did we go astray?

O Lord, do not abandon us to our sinful ways.

Awaken us, guide us, and help us to be better than we are.

Amen.