Prayers for Power + Protection

“The onus is on laypeople to avoid contracting this infection and spreading it to others. If common people treat themselves as the frontline defense, then not only do they help themselves and others but also the health system, including Healthcare workers, making sure the people who need treatment most receive it.”  Manjunath Sharma, Deccan Herald on Corona Fighters in India

This morning I am still mostly silent in my prayers. I believe sincerely in the warning of Ecclesiastes not to move too swiftly from the house of mourning. And I hold the awkwardly these still fresh spiritual tensions of Resurrection season occurring this year in a season of isolation.  With as much childlike wonder as a minister can muster, I leave open my empty hands to God. I let fly my bewilderment, up to the Lord’s listening ears; as surely as I wait to hear that Jesus is on the mainline, so I can call him and tell him of all my rage. 

I am a pretender this morning. While my children are singing “He’s got the whole world in his hands” I’m nodding and smiling. But I wonder - with all the drama - “Lord when will this pitiful planet will feel thy embrace!?”  

So as I share my prayers from this morning, I do so in thanksgiving, that the Lord has given us prayers from the souls of Black folks like Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr. and others in our faith family - for these days of trouble and from seasons of old. I hope you are blessed by this little liturgy of weary devotion. 

I take it as praise, petition and preparation. For we are in need of strength, we do have people who work for our protection. And honoring God’s children is a spiritual work. As we prepare to launch a campaign of fellowship and solidarity tomorrow, I feel a sense of mutuality that I thought had hit its depths already in 2014. “Now more than ever” becomes an understatement as I replay and recite and rehearse the phrase “only everyone can save us now.” 

So I hope you will join these prayers of protection for the people who protect us. I hope you know that includes you if you are isolating. You are protecting me. We are protecting each other. May God protect the ones whose work puts them a hundred times at risk. May God protect us all from the deadly foolishness of those who simply do not care. Jesus, be a fence.

Sing aloud if you are able: “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

Let’s pray together. Lord of Zion, we come to you this morning, asking you to send your Spirit as a refuge. We need you on this day, Spirit of Power, to come in the form of boldness and courage. Will you make your way into the hearts of God’s children as that perfect love that drives out fear? 

And will you be a fence, a hedge of protection, against the wickedness of corrupt governments, stupidity of the willful, the ignorance of the uninformed, the earnest optimism of those emboldened by past trauma. Guard us against our own arrogance, Spirit of Humility. Come and move us all (to take several seats) like a mighty rushing wind. 

For us common people on the front lines, for our heroic healthcare workers holding back the crashing waves of death, for the essential workers who risk their lives and still lack a living wage… be our strength and our shield. 

Listen/move a little: “Jesus, Be a Fence by Fred Hammond”

Psalm 28, read aloud if you are able

To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hand toward your Most Holy Place.

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.

Praise be to the Lord, who has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in God, and the Lord helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I give praise.

The Lord is the strength of God’s people, a fortress of salvation. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. 

Meditation: a Prayer by Dr. James Forbes

“O God of Love, Power and Justice; because our needs are so great today, and your care so constant, we know that you are rebuilding the network of compassion around new visionaries who you have assembled for this hour. Surprise us with the discovery of how much power we have to make a difference in our day: 

• A difference in the way citizens meet, greet, respect and protect the rights of each other.

• A difference in the breadth of our vision of what is possible in humanization, reconciliation, equalization of results in our great city.

• A difference in the way government, business and labor can work together, for justice and social enrichment.

• A difference in our response to the needy, and a difference in our appreciation for those who give of themselves for the surviving and thriving of our beautiful people. 

Make compassion and the spirit of sacrifice to be the new mark of affluence of character. Strengthen us to face reality and to withstand the rigor of tough times in the anticipation of a bright side beyond the struggle. Inspire, empower, and sustain us until we reach the mountaintop, and see that future for which our hearts yearn. 

This is our fervent and sincere prayer. Amen”

Art: Alma Thomas, Resurrection series

Experience: Amadou & Mariam Tiny Desk Concert

Prayer Requests: https://forms.gle/n8SXo2TbySX3T2iE6