May 5, 2022 | by Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner | NCNW National Chaplain and President of Skinner Leadership Institute| barbarawilliams-skinner.com
O Lord, our fortress, refuge, and strong tower, we humble ourselves in your mighty presence seeking peace amid many human wars. But, Jesus, the embodiment of the power of love over the love of power, promised peace, saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Rescue us, loving God, lest we destroy ourselves and the planet you created in our choice of war over peace, violence over nonviolence, and injustice over justice in our many human dealings.
Forgive us, Lord God, for declaring war on our public schools and denying children full knowledge of America’s troubled racial history and progress so future generations might seek racial equity over systemic inequality.
Forgive us for declaring war on the poor and homeless---especially women and children---raising baseless budgetary objections to primary humane care while offering unlimited support for war spending.
Forgive us, dear Lord, for trafficking in “Wild West" levels of unaddressed gun violence declaring war on law-abiding citizens' safety, well-being, and peace.
Forgive us, God, for declaring war against the pursuit of racial equity and multiracial democracy, choosing to bend laws denying voting rights to sustain White majority rulership amidst a rising tide of diversity.
We petition you, right now, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, to raise up leaders who, by example, will guide the way to valuing everyone made in your image as worthy of human flourishing; leaders seeking peace with justice over war; and leaders seeking nonviolence over violence. In your matchless name, we pray, Lord God! AMEN
