Relief for the marginalized

Lord Jesus,

Bring relief to the marginalized people in this country.

Comfort the grieving families of this recent attack in Georgia.

Bring awareness, empathy, and compassion to all of us–

but particularly your children–

so that we reach out to those who wander,

suffer with those who hurt, 

and offer belonging to everyone.

I pray your special blessing on Asian-Americans,

on immigrant children separated from their parents,

on single parent-families living in poverty,

on inner-city kids without the resources to reach their dreams.

Fill each with the assurance of your love and a desire to know you.

Comfort and protect them.

And God, change us into your image before them!

Stir our hearts to break down stereotypes,

partisanship, and elitism

and embrace the diverse world you created.

You love us all.

You offer salvation freely to everyone.

You call us to reach the world.

Now convict us to reach the world you’ve brought to us,

to think of safety for all

instead of safety for ourselves.

Help us to get righteousness right–

to love justice the way you did–

to embrace holy living like you modeled it for us.

Make us a people of love and compassion,

rather than hate and violence.

Love starts with You,

then the Church–

to the world.

May we never see this progression any other way.

In your great name,

Amen.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)