By Everett Graffeo of Blue Springs, Missouri USA

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

We sit in darkness
of our own making, Lord.
Light moves across
the face of the land,
blinding in its brilliance.
Faces covered, we cry out—
“Protect our eyes, Lord!”
The wedge of light
widens the opening, lifts the veil,
the iris draws in the image.
The retina of the Spirit sees
sacred presence.
Our eyes brim with tears.
Dare we voice what we see?
Refugee camps, bridge underpasses,
World’s people, beyond weeping,
lying silent in poverty’s prison.
Shoulders lowered in submission,
Heads bowed down.
Arms too weak to lift.
Our eyes look away.
Lord of earth’s abundance,
we plead in the darkness—
GOD, cast forth your light!
JESUS, walk with us until SON RISE!
SPIRIT, open our eyes to see!
LOVE, open the way!
our PEACE live in us!
Amen!

Prayer Phrase

“…do good and share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).

Enough and to Spare

Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, silently say, “There is enough.” As you exhale, say, “And more to share.” Then name aloud or write down three ways you already experience God’s generosity in your life—big or small. End by asking, “How can I share from what I’ve been given today?”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.