National Day of Prayer
The Dexter Ministerial Alliance participated in the National Day of Prayer. On Thursday, May 5, 2016, representative from churches throughout the community gathered in front of the city hall to lift up the leaders of our town, state, country, and world. I was responsible for the prayer of confession and repentance. This is the prayer that I shared, partially adapted from the Chalice Worship Book of the Disciples of Christ.
Prayer of Confession and Repentance:
O Judge of the nations, we have come to you to sing, rejoicing in the good that walks this land by day. We have come to be silent, repenting of the evil that stalks it by night. We have come to this place because we are reminded that you are both our creator and our conscience. Here all our loyalties are put in their proper place behind our allegiance to you.
Be with us in our celebration and our confession, that our citizenship might be more responsible, our nation more humble, and our world more reflective of your shalom. Today in this moment of reflection help us to recognize all of the ways that we have fallen short. Remind us that human cleverness alone cannot heal our nation’s sickness, treaties and armaments cannot safeguard our real interests, more luxuries and leisures cannot meet our deepest needs.
Jesus, we claim to know what you taught us. Yet, we confess that we fail to put your words into practice. You told us that blessed are the poor in spirit, yet we act as if the kingdom of God belongs solely to those who have life all together. You said that blessed are those mourn, yet we fail to comfort them. You said the meek shall inherit the earth, yet we seek power at the expense of others. You told us those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled, yet we willingly accept injustice each and every day.
Christ, you commanded us to be merciful, yet we hoard our material goods and withhold forgiveness for those who have wronged us. You call us to be pure in heart, yet we fail to see your image in those whom we exploit. We are called to be peacemakers, yet we place our trust in violence and military might.
Forgive us. Be merciful to us. Remind us once more of your love and compassion. Holy Spirit, empower us to more reflect the grace that you have provided to us. Call us back to you. Let our pray, our thoughts, our actions, and indeed our very lives, be visible reminders of your heavenly kingdom.
May the Living Word speak afresh to our people. Raise us men and women who can speak words of insight and integrity that new life may inspire us and set us right. We pray for us and for this world, the the people who grope in the darkness may see a great light, the light of your love for every human being.
Grant this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
