Prayer for Justice

"Prayer for Justice"

Rotunda--Minnestate State Capitol

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition "Day on the Hill" 

February 21, 2013

 

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made. Your mercy encompasses all, your compassion washes over your whole creation. You are always laboring over this good earth and all who call it home.

In your mercy, you bestow on us the awesome responsibility to reflect your image in caring for your creation, treasuring our neighbors and pursuing passionately your way of justice and peace.

You have taught us today about the deep challenges and the promising opportunities that face our state.

You have inspired us with the examples of others who have tirelessly served the common good.....those whom we have just honored as well as those champions of justice who have passed from among us over the last year,like the late Msgr. James Habinger, former head of the MN Catholic Conference and JRLC board member.

Now you call us to step out in the freedom that is your gift to us—to give voice, in this great hall of justice, to our deepest faith commitments.

As we engage with those who have been elected to serve all the people of Minnesota….let us remember that we are your voice, your hands, your feet in the world.

Enable us to listen thoughtfully, think clearly and speak boldly.

Empower us to bear winsome, courageous witness to your way of justice and mercy.

Open the hearts and minds of those with whom we will converse.

And bless them as they seek to fulfill their callings in public service.

Remind us, every step of the way, that we speak and act not for ourselves but on behalf of others who need your watchful care and keeping—the poor and the sick, the elderly and the youth, the stranger and the sojourner, the disadvantaged and the marginalized.

In your powerful name we pray. Amen.