Speak Up

O God of justice, miracles and mighty deed,

We lift up to you those who have been silenced by hardship, affliction and injustice. Forgive us for not speaking up for the least among us. We confess that we have not exercised our influence and position to change things. Grant us the courage to be agents of change and instruments of justice. Empower us with the will and the desire to see your kingdom manifest on earth as it is already done in heaven. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Junius Dotson, Africana Worship Book

And Now I Can See

Eternal Shepherd of our souls, thank you for being our Good Shepherd who protects and provides, leads and loves and instructs and transform us in spite of our weaknesses, sins and inadequacies. We bring you our hopes and needs seeking your strength to give us courage to face the challenges of the day.

Remove the blinders from our eyes so that we can see that all humanity is our brother and sister. Help us to appreciate our diversity not as a sign of superiority or inferiority but as sign of the uniqueness of Your creation.

Deliver us from the shackles that bind us to fear and prejudice. Empower us to help those caught in the vise of discrimination. Enable us to help the hungry, clothe the naked and bring liberation to those held captive by economic disparity beyond their control.

Overcome our stagnant strategies to bring about a new era of equality. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Light In Dark Places

Almighty God, we are troubled by events that stir around us. We cannot understand them completely, for the causes and reasons are far deeper than we can see. But we do know that many lives are interrupted by the horrendous and destroyed by injustice. It is hard to understand those who do not see that what they say and do creates a dangerous climate that readily explodes with violence with the least provocation.

Light of the World, shine your brightness into the darkness of this world. Help us to resist the temptation to be exclusive or selective because Christ died for all of us. Grant us the confidence and the courage to be busy about your business today. We can do nothing but look to you, the author and finisher of our faith, for strength and direction to do your will among all people. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Required Response

"What does the Lord require of you?"

Micah 6:8

The demands upon our time and tempers keep us distracted from doing what you require. Empower us, Lord God of all, to do what is required of us - to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before you.

As we seek mercy for ourselves, help us to extend mercy to each other. As we seek justice for ourselves, help us to seek justice for those who cannot help themselves. As we stand boldly before our adversaries, we strive to walk in humble obedience to your will.

In Jesus name, help us to fulfill all that is required of us this day and all the days of our lives. Amen.

VMM

Psalm 75

I yearn to know You, O Beloved, to abide in the Peace of Love; I choose to turn from the ways of the world, where ego separates and divides.

“At the set time which I appoint, I will judge with equity. When the earth totters with all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady the axis.”

I say to the powerful, “Lead with justice and mercy.” And to the greedy, “Share your abundance with those in need. Le no one see your acts of mercy or know your works of charity.”

Pray a Psalm

June is Pray a Psalm month. Go through the book of Psalms until you find one that speaks to your heart. Pray it unto the Lord throughout the day. Let me know in the comment section which ones touched you the most.

VMM