Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ Luke 4: 14 - 21
Loving God, Creator of harmony, Author of Justice,
We pray you draw near to your children crying out
For justice and freedom that was theirs by your love
But which was withheld and they were enslaved.
We are bound by your love to bring freedom to all.
Our President said in 1863 “ I do order and declare
that all persons held
as slaves within said designated States
and parts of States,
are, and henceforward shall be free”
and “I invoke the
considerate judgment of mankind”
We pray for your gracious favor and help, Almighty God.
Some of us have experienced persecution and pain
Some have been separated form their home communities
Others have lived with great privilege and power
And you have declared that we are all your children.
We pray for the humility to acknowledge our siblings, Dear Lord.
Love and freedom begin and end with you, Lord
The streets are full of voices crying for justice
Our children point out the inequity and violence
Yet we are too often reluctant to get involved.
Precious Savior, empower us to work for justice here and now.
Free us from the fear of conflict
Make us your hands and heart today.
O Good Shepherd, lead us and guide us to freedom.
May all our works and words
Bring justice and liberty to all.
In your love, O Christ, we are made free to serve. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment