The prayer today incorporates a paragraph from Across That Bridge by Congressman John Lewis.
“[N]o matter how tarnished or weak the flame, when the forces of darkness seem like they are about to consume us, we will ourselves to survive, and we begin to stand in the center of our inner light and invite its power to clear away the darkness that has clouded the soul.”
Help your light shine in us and through us Lord, that we might find a better way to live and work together.
Amen
Bless our children Lord.
When we were expecting, the doctor told us, “a child is God’s way of saying the world must go on.”
Help us change Lord, for their sake.
Protect them from a legacy of fear, hate, and resentment.
Instead let them know joy, peace, and opportunity.
Help them love and be loved by their fellow citizens.
Give us all hope.
Help us change Lord, that our children might more fully live.
Amen
Thank you Lord for our democracy holding and a peaceful transfer of power.
Help us to recommit to democratic values,* repair our foundations, and rebuild.
Turn us from the sins of anger, hate, factionalism, and resentment. (Galatians 5:20)
Lead us in your paths of justice, kindness, and mercy. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Ps. 25:4-5; Galatians 22-23)
May we, in the words of our Vice President,** emerge from our trials with new wisdom, imagining new possibilities. Help us to open our hearts to one another.
May we, with your help, be so zealous and successful at pursuing your justice and peace that we, like Hezekiah and his people, find ourselves rejoicing at the speed of our progress. (2 Chronicles 29:36).
Amen
*As identified in the National Council For The Social Studies C3 Framework: honesty, mutual respect, cooperation, attention to multiple perspectives, equality, liberty, and freedom.
**Paraphrased from Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks at the Covid-19 Memorial Service, January 19, 2021.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:23
We are used to empty promises.
Legislation well named but devoid of content. Unfunded mandates and standards without consequences. The creation of commissions and the drafting of studies and reports, all with no action that might bring about real change.
Let this time be different Lord.
Help us to enact laws that move us forward.
Laws that might actually advance our collective health and safety.
Laws that could provide a foundation for future growth.
Laws that reflect our ideal of liberty and justice for all.
Laws that will bring us peace.
Help us Lord, to create the change we need.
Amen.
Prayers For Our Country 