Praying for Justice

O Lord of all creation we recognize that righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; that love and faithfulness go before you. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Rise up and deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. Loose the chains of injustice wherever they may be found.

This day we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are enslaved, forced to do the will of their oppressor. May they know that you hear their cries. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hands of the wicked. For we know you work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

O God for those who groan this day from the effects of a fallen nature from oil spills to earthquakes, volcanoes to floods. Hear their cries. For we know that you secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy. Heal our land that justice may once again roll on like a river and righteousness as a never ending stream.

Rise up, O Judge of the earth, defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Raise up people of faith who will do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before you. Establish justice in our nation and in our neighborhoods. Forgive us O Lord when we fall short of our pledge to be one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

As a federal judge seeks to ban our right to pray, and we become more divided by the way we look, may we know that you judge us for how we live. As lady liberty stands in the harbor of New York, a city once again threatened by a terrorist bomb, we pray for peace and freedom from fear. May the tired, the poor and the huddled masses yearning to be free continue to find our shores a refuge and a land of freedom and opportunity. Forgive us when we fail to provide liberty and justice for all. Help us understand the needs of the poor in our own city, on our own block as foreclosures continue to escalate, jobs are scarce, government is stretched and laws are complex. Grant us wisdom to love our neighbor as ourselves. Empower us to provide a cup of cold water to those in need, to provide good guidance and counsel where needed and to hold out the hope that comes from a loving, just God.

Father may we administer true justice; may we show mercy and compassion to one another. Where there is hate, may we show love; where there is hurt, may we bring healing and where there is injustice, may we bring justice. For we know that good will come to him who is generous and gives freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

May we be people of justice that reflect a God of justice this day and every day until you establish your kingdom and right all the injustices of this world.

Amen.