By Diane Bailey
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Compassionate Creator,
We confess that we fall short of your hopes for humanity. We hoard when you’ve asked us to share. We cry when you invite us to serve with joy. We are quick to anger when you have given us opportunities to be peaceful people. We curse others when you’ve begged us to offer blessings, instead.
By your son’s example, each of us knows the ways to bring peace and hope into our world. Forgive us when we come into your house of worship and learn goodness and righteousness but turn way from these lessons when we leave. Have mercy for the times we harden our hearts to the poor and the needy, the lost and forsaken, those who suffer spiritual or emotional pain. Soften our hearts that we might feel the suffering of others and cease to judge but strive to strengthen and comfort those in need.
Lift us from the sin of uncaring, God. When we see ugliness, help us look for the beauty that must lie somewhere within. When we feel hatred directed toward us, enable us to return love. In times of distress, let us look to the distress of others and forget our own. We are your creation, God, and we plead for your pardon and your mercy.
In the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).
Healing and Reconciliation
Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.
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.