Prayer Vigil - For Comfort, Justice, and the Dignity of All

Prayer Vigil: For Comfort, Justice, and the Dignity of All

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by Keith E. Freeman

Tonight we gather together to share this space and be present with one another. The past few weeks have been heavy. I myself have felt like a coward, going about my daily life while violence, pain, and oppression have consumed the daily lives of so many of our fellow Americans. Let us take this moment to recognize the weight of these times, to acknowledge that we cannot bear these burdens alone. Tonight we pray for comfort and justice. We pray that the dignity of every human being is honored and cherished. With open hearts and minds, we acknowledge what we feel during these frightening, disheartening times. Tonight we cry before God, each of us hurting or grieving in our own ways. Know that God hears our cry.

We cry for lives lost to violence in our streets - especially Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Silverio Villegas Gonzalez. The Lord hears our cry.

We cry for lives lost in immigration custody - Geraldo Lunas Campes, Victor Manuel Diaz, Parady La, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Heber Sanchez, and Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres. The Lord hears our cry.

We cry for parents and children separated by policy, by fear, by force. The Lord hears our cry.

We may be poor in spirit, lost in a wilderness of shattered promises and fears there may be worse yet to come. But the Lord hears the cry of the poor.

We may be poor in faith, wondering how such darkness can exist in the world. But the Lord hears the cry of the poor.

We may be poor in action, unsure how our seemingly small lives can bring about real change. But the Lord hears the cry of the poor.

As we share this space and this time, know that we are not alone. Even though we hurt, we can still help each other heal. Even though we are lost, we can still help each other find a way. Even though we suffer, we can still help each other rise. We are, to each other, part of what God sends to us when He hears our cry.

Let us lean and be leaned upon. Let us lift and be lifted. Let us lead and be led.

Together we cry before God. And God hears our cry.

Amen.

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