As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
Recently, we held a memorial service in honor of those homeless people brutally murdered on the streets of San Diego, Angelo, Shawn and Dionicio. We wanted to remember and name these individuals on the margins of our society.
We also celebrated the fact that all life is sacred, uniquely a reflection of God’s presence and love in our midst. It’s important to remember that no one is defined by life’s circumstance, but by God. And God called Angelo and Shawn and Dionicio, beloved.
I wanted to share with you a Litany we read. It’s a prayer for justice, inclusion and peace. God, hear our prayer.
Leader: Loving God, we pray for continued blessings on all peacemakers, on leaders who value peace, and on everyone who promotes nonviolent solutions to conflict. We pray for an end to violence around the world.
People: God of peace and gentleness,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for the strength of heart and mind to look beyond ourselves and address the needs of our human family throughout the world; for the rural and urban poor; for the rebuilding of our communities; and for an end to the cycles of violence that threaten our future.
People: God of generosity and compassion,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for all nations, that they may live in unity and peace; and that all people may know justice and enjoy the perfect freedom that only God can give.
People: God of liberty and freedom,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray that the Holy Spirit guide us to embrace the most vulnerable members of our society; we pray also for an end to the growing disparity between the rich and poor; and for the grace and courage to strive for economic justice.
People: God of all gifts and blessings,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for an end to prejudice throughout our country and the world; that we will respect all people as precious children of God; and that racism, sexism, and all other forms of discrimination will be forever banished from our hearts, our society, and our laws.
People: God of fellowship and equality,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for all immigrants and refugees from around the world, that they may be welcomed in our midst and be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
People: God of outcasts and wanderers,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for the sick, the aged and the infirmed; for those with physical or mental disabilities; that all may have access to proper health care; and that God’s loving embrace may be felt by all who suffer.
People: God of comfort and healing,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for all prisoners and captives, both physical and emotional; that a spirit of forgiveness may replace vengeance and retribution; and that we, with all the destitute, lonely, and oppressed, may be restored to the fullness of God’s grace.
People: God of absolution and mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for all who have died as a result of violence, war, disease or famine, especially those who died because of human ignorance, neglect, or hardness of heart.
People: God of eternal life and resurrecting love,
Hear our prayer.
Leader: Nurturing God, hear us now. Watch over our city now and in the days ahead. Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray in your many names, and all that is holy.
All: Amen.
