Prayer for September 26-October 2, 2021
Sermon Text: Esther 7:1-10; 9:20-22
Sermon Text: Esther 7:1-10; 9:20-22
That we may be roused to risk ourselves so many may be spared the ravages of hatred and indifference
God, our Redeemer, most of us seem to be content to live with whatever forms of safety and security that we have been able to gather around ourselves. Some of us live with substantial resources, deep privilege, and an enduring sense of entitlement.
At the same time, many who dwell in our neighborhoods, and who inhabit the world You created and love, live with nearly constant deprivation and unrelenting threat.
Most of the time, we only see those with whom we have a strong personal connection as part of our circle of concern. We don’t see our connection to many people who are, like us, your creatures: people of earth, created in love, sought in love through Jesus Christ, and comforted and energized in love by your Spirit.
We don’t see our connection. And we do not act with compassion because we do not perceive that all of our lives are bound together, that our future is a shared future, and that peace and security will elude us if we do not act to shape a world of generosity and justice for everyone.
Enable us to hear words of warning and challenge that rouse us to risk ourselves so that all of your people, everywhere, may be spared the ravages of hatred and indifference that so often seem on the verge of overwhelming us. Amen.
At the same time, many who dwell in our neighborhoods, and who inhabit the world You created and love, live with nearly constant deprivation and unrelenting threat.
Most of the time, we only see those with whom we have a strong personal connection as part of our circle of concern. We don’t see our connection to many people who are, like us, your creatures: people of earth, created in love, sought in love through Jesus Christ, and comforted and energized in love by your Spirit.
We don’t see our connection. And we do not act with compassion because we do not perceive that all of our lives are bound together, that our future is a shared future, and that peace and security will elude us if we do not act to shape a world of generosity and justice for everyone.
Enable us to hear words of warning and challenge that rouse us to risk ourselves so that all of your people, everywhere, may be spared the ravages of hatred and indifference that so often seem on the verge of overwhelming us. Amen.
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