For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”
-Esther 4:14
God of our lives,
We come to you with hearts full of gratitude and hope, as we look to our past and ahead to our future as individuals, communities, and the world. We recommit our lives to you and the love you share with our world as our parent, friend, and greatest comfort. We hear you time and again name us as beloved. We are so grateful that you have placed us in this moment for such a time as this, as we love and care for your beloved world.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
Parent of us all, as those in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and other parts of the world celebrate Father’s Day, we thank you for the fathers, grandfathers, and those who act like fathers to us who have blessed our lives with love, wisdom, and care. We also ask for your love to cover those who would like to be fathers, those who have difficult relationships with their fathers, and those who have lost their fathers. May we be inspired to share the love that you, our ultimate father and parent, give to us as we remain covered by your love.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
God, as Africans and those of African ancestry all over the world commemorate Juneteenth, we remember the end of slavery in the United States and honor the resilience and spirit of African Americans. We pray for freedom, justice, equality, equity, and unity in our communities and world. Heal the wounds of the past and guide us towards a future where equity and dignity are upheld for all.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
God, we celebrate the achievements of graduates everywhere. Bless graduates as they step into new chapters of their lives. Grant them wisdom, courage, and joy as they begin these new moments of their lives. Bless them and encourage them as they go on to new schools, opportunities, and careers where they can make a difference in their communities with you as their guide.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
God, this Pride Month, we continue to pray for acceptance, love, and understanding for all. Help us to create a world where everyone feels valued and respected – where we are free to love whom we love and share that love with all. May your love shine through us as we embrace and support every piece of each other.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
God, we give thanks for World Environment Day which saw various countries committing to environmental restoration. We give thanks that the Maldives announced plans to plant 5 million trees, and Bangladesh and Oman also pledged to expand their forest covers. May these efforts continue to combat deforestation and promote sustainability all around the world.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
God, there is so much in our world that we will never understand. There are so many places in our world and immediate community that desperately need safety and care. In particular, we pray for the safety and protection of civilians in Gaza, especially the vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. While over a million people have fled Rafah amid continuous bombardment, we pray for those left behind. With only one hospital in Rafah partially functional, and a severe shortage of medical supplies and facilities, we pray for the restoration and accessibility of healthcare services.
May we not keep silent, for you have placed us here for such a time as this.
Lord, in all the moments of our lives – both the celebrations and reflections – we seek your presence and your grace. Unite us in love, strengthen us in faith, and guide us in justice as we live for this moment you have given us. We entrust our lives to you, knowing that you hold us all with infinite care and compassion.
In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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