A time for justice

May 29, 2022

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God, oh God, oh God–
give us the courage
to speak up and out
to name the pain
the injustice
the suffering–
to look at it
to feel it
to take action
however small it may be
because the sum
of countless small acts
can make big change.

Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Amos 5:24 Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

March 6, 2022

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God of Moses,
God of the exiled,
your love is strong
for the immigrant, the refugee
those fleeing violence, oppression, poverty
those searching for safety, provision, opportunity.
I pray for an open heart and open hands,
ready to share
ready to welcome
your people,
for that is your way–
the way of love.

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Deuteronomy 10:17-18 God, your God, is the God of all gods, he’s the Master of all masters, a God immense and powerful and awesome. He doesn’t play favorites, takes no bribes, makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing.

Hebrews 13:1-2 Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!

February 5, 2022

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God of justice
God of the oppressed
God of those who have been shut out,
we pray for your justice
we pray for repair,
we pray for
respect
dignity
power
love,
and it begins with naming the truth–
because your truth, justice, and grace
will prevail.

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Psalm 89:14 The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits.

Psalm 25:4-6 & 8-10 Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my savior, aren’t you? Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks!…God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, and leads them step-by-step. From now on every road you travel will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs, read the chartered directions.

Isaiah 1:17 Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so that I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.

December 14, 2021

ashtonbarLeave a comment

Jesus,
you are a respite for the weary
who come to you worn out–
exhausted by the brokenness of the world,
battered by violence, disaster and destruction,
groaning within systems and cultures of oppression.
We ask for your mercy.
We ask for your justice.
We ask to live freely and lightly
because we yearn for the unforced rhythms of your grace.

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Matthew 11:28-30
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.