Social Justice Prayer Network
Prayers for the Period beginning May 1, 2008

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
my soul within me is like a weaned child.

God is both refuge and strength for us, a help always ready in trouble;
so we shall not be afraid though the earth be in turmoil…

…we wish you joy;
try to grow perfect; encourage one another;
 have a common mind and live in peace,
and the God of love and peace will be with you.

As I write, General Conference is still taking place. It is too soon to have an understanding of what has happened or what the results might be, so we pray confidently knowing “in all things God works for good for those who love God, who are called according to God’s purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NRSV)  We pray with a “calmed and quieted soul” that our church will live out God’s vision for us. We pray that the Spirit of Pentecost will give us a new birth and the determination to be the church of God.

We pray that as we celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday May 18, we might make a real beginning “to grow perfect, have a common mind and live in peace” with each other and with all the world.

We pray for peace with justice in all those places where terrorism, violence, war and destruction continue. We pray for all those already sacrificed or wounded in body, mind or spirit. We pray for those who love them.

We pray for the sick and dying, the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the refugee, the immigrant.

We pray for the hopeless, the rejected, the despised, the outcast.

As we pray yet again for all these who have been suffering for so long and continue in anguish, we remember that “God is both refuge and strength for us, a help always ready in trouble; so we shall not be afraid though the earth be in turmoil…” 

We calm and quiet our souls in prayer as God’s Holy Spirit falls afresh on us so that we may go out and work for what we have prayed for.

Scripture references in order:
Psalm 131:2, NRSV, Lectionary May 25
Psalm 46:1-2a, The New Jerusalem Bible, Lectionary June 1
2 Corinthians 13:11, The New Jerusalem Bible, Lectionary, May 18

 

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Edie Harris, SJPN Facilitator             E-mail: sproutsedie@bellsouth.net

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Methodist Federation for Social Action
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