Loving God,
we pray for the opportunity to join you in the work of creation. The Bible declares that creation occurred first with light, when the world was full of emptiness and disorder. We look around and see disorder of our own time:
- in the United States, we are shocked by the cell phone recording of a white policeman gunning down a fleeing black man, especially when we compare it to the reports which the officer and others filed. We had hoped we could trust the agencies of law enforcement.
- in Afghanistan, someone dressed as a soldier (was he a soldier?) shot and killed one and wounded others, this incident occurring shortly after a significant diplomatic visit. What was the purpose? Who was the real target?
- in Kenya, widespread grief follows the murderous attack on Christians at Garissa University. When did religious identity become a way to identify victims instead of unifying your children?
All these events and many others empty our families, our societies, ourselves, and our world. Our need to join in the work of creation is all too evident.
But hovering in concern over all that needed to be filled and brought in order, you first created light. Even today light is still being created. We see light, light that we pray that together with you, we may call “good”:
- in the possibility that the discussion and diplomacy may replace war and war profiteering in Iran and throughout the Middle East.
- in robust conversations in public and private spheres in the United States undertaken in the hope that a larger justice, a more loving kindness, and a deeper humility may inform the entire nation.
- in Cuba and the United States as they continue to plan steps of rapprochement in upcoming meetings in Panama.
We pray for light in our hearts and minds. We pray for light to see our way into a future that has less discrimination, less poverty, and less injustice.
The light of resurrection stirs Christians in this Easter season. The light of Passover liberation inspires Jews. The light of possibility shines for all your children throughout the world, dear God. Give us strength to follow the light as it leads us forward. Amen.
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