Mid Week Prayer

This week, we have been shocked by the events in the United States and moved by the protests across the world following the brutal death of George Floyd.  We respond through learning and prayer as we pray for the eradication of racial injustice in our societies.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all one (as St Paul writes, ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ Galatians 3.28). And so we pray:

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate cruelty to these our neighbours. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (American Book of Common Prayer)

O God who created all people in your holy image, who loves the stranger, who cares for the downtrodden: walk with those who face discrimination, protect them from harm, help them see Christ in our community. Guide those who fan the fires of discrimination to open their eyes to the beauty of all your creation and respect the human dignity of all people. Open our hearts to those who face hatred and injustice because of their race, their background, their ethnicity, that we might better help them belong;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

With thanks to Chichester Cathedral for this reflection and prayers.