Compassionate God,
We look to you today – the source of our strength and hope,
Even as protests spread across the world,
In Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, and Morocco.
Even as people – many of whom are young and perhaps idealistic,
Take to the streets to stand against widening inequality, economic uncertainty, corruption, and abuse of power.
Even though our world often tells them that their voice will not be heard,
Even as our society makes them feel like what they are doing is in vain,
May they be emboldened,
And may they act peacefully in a way that brings greater unity and understanding.
Even as people of all ages in the United States joined in the No Kings Protest,
Help people everywhere to realize that our allegiance is first to heaven,
May our stance,
And the way we take that stance,
Our words,
And the way we say those words,
Our actions,
And the way those actions come across,
Be with gentleness and respect,
In a way that shows our Christlike love,
Rather than in a way that harms our testimony.
Let us be creative in our conflict resolution,
Just as the singer, Naghma, from Afghanistan used a song to challenge the Taliban instead of her fists.
Let us use music and poetry, art and dance, singing and drama,
To help shape the world around us and bring voice to critical issues,
Rather than to raise our voices in arguments and debates.
As conflicts in the world increase and abound,
As the ceasefire in Israel and Palestine still feels shaky,
As relations in Russia and Ukraine remain tense,
And as political leaders change,
Not always in the way the country feels is best,
As is the case with Sanae Takaichi, the first female Prime Minister in Japan who is more conservative and more patriarchal than many would like,
Help those who feel marginalized and excluded,
Including minorities, vulnerable populations, and those who feel their voice is not heard.
As disasters strike,
Like in Ethiopia where a fatal train crash killed 15 people and injured at least 27,
Or in Paris, France where a tornado hit a suburb leaving one dead,
Or in Khartoum, Sudan, where a drone attack hit an area near the international airport a day before it was to resume domestic flights for the first time since war broke out in 2023,
Help us to be compassionate and empathetic to those who have been affected,
Joining our hearts and prayers for them,
Rather than giving in to the desensitization of hearing bad news and moving on when it doesn’t affect us personally.
Even though we often feel the weight and worry of natural disasters, global warming and environmental concerns,
Let us also take a moment to be grateful for the increased population of humpback whales and sea turtles in Australia.
For the beauty of a night sky lit up with meteor showers especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
And let us give thanks for people who still believe in the best for humanity,
And who still labour for justice,
Bringing health justice to Niger – the first country in Africa to eradicate the debilitating parasitical disease River Blindness.
And bringing social justice to the United States where the sixth tiny home village broke ground in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a Veterans Community Project that helps hundreds of vets transition out of homelessness.
We pray for areas of the world where justice has not yet been realized.
For areas where justice has been abused.
And for areas where injustice runs rampant.
We lift our prayers for hope, courage, and freedom this day,
Knowing the One who is the author and perfecter of our faith.
And the One who fights our battles for us if we only stand still.
Amen.
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