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Social Justice Prayer Network O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence—Yet, O Lord…we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. Isaiah 64:1,8-9 NRSV, Lectionary December 1 In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light—a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken… And the Word became flesh and stayed for a little while among us; we saw the Word’s glory…John 1:4-5, 14a Inclusive New Testament, Lectionary Christmas Day *** Many of us have just recognized World AIDS Day through worship or other observations. America has seen great progress in this pandemic. The number of AIDS deaths in 2000 was roughly equal to deaths from flu, and may have even dropped in 2001. But let us continue to pray for those who live with AIDS and their daily struggle with both health and social issues. Let us continue to pray for the alleviation of the devastating effects of this disease in Africa and Asia. Let us pray that other countries and corporations might in compassion reach out to help all those affected. “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down.” For more information on AIDS see www.aidsinfor.org. We now share the anxiety of much of the world that personal danger is imminent. Our government tell us to fear the ever-present threat of “terrorists.” We listen to the news of almost daily acts of terror and death somewhere. We seek “homeland security” at an ever-increasing cost of personal freedom and diversity. Let us pray for peace in our hearts, peace in our relationships, peace in our country, peace in our world. Let us pray that our fear does not overtake us and destroy the very fabric of our democracy. Let us remember “…a Light that the darkness has never overtaken…” We grieve for those around the world whom terrorism and violence have struck down. We continue to pray for justice and peace in the Middle East. We give thanks for Christian, Jewish, and Moslem individuals (and groups) in Israel, Palestine and beyond that are risking their lives to minister to those in need and to work for peace. “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down.” We give thanks for small lights in the darkness. Now that inspections have begun again in Iraq, we pray for a peaceful and just resolution. We pray for those involved in the inspections and for the process itself that it might bring both peace and your righteousness to Iraq and the rest of the world. “…we are all the work of your hand…we are all your people…” December brings many holidays, celebrations and ways of worship. May we be wise in what we seek. May we focus our time and energy and resources in ways that keep the Light burning. . May we be lamps that reflect the light of your love toward all peoples. “…we are the clay, and you are our potter…” One research project after another reports the ways that the poor suffer in greater proportion than the affluent (i.e., children of poor and immigrant parents are more likely to be killed in automobile accidents from lack of proper child restraints.) Let us, in this season of spending, remember those too poor to adequately care for their children, the homeless and hungry, the despised and ill. Let us not forget that when “the Word became flesh and stayed for a little while among us” that it was to bring Life and Light to everyone. Let us continue to pray for and work to assist those who live in the darkness of despair, so that they may see the “Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken…” To suggest concerns for listing on the Prayer Network, contact: Edie Harris, SJPN Facilitator, 2622 Forest Drive, Melbourne, FL 32901 To be added to the SJPN mailing list, contact: Josh Zmroczek Methodist Federation for Social Action Web: www.mfsaweb.org |
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