Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse them.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil,
but seek what is healing for all.
Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
—Romans 12.14, 17, 21
God of truth and mercy,
I see the news of murderers and militias,
of white supremacy and abuse of the poor,
of police brutality and deep injustice.
I hear your cry for justice—
that you love justice, you yearn, you ache for justice.
I have vowed to “accept the power you give us
to resist evil, injustice and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves.” *
Loving God, how shall I resist?
I open my heart to your passion
for the redemption of all humanity and the healing of Creation.
And I open myself to your spirit, that I may know how to respond.
How do I bless those who oppress, and not curse them?
Help me to know, and give me the strength to do so.
Help me to resist my temptation to repay evil with evil—
help me to overcome evil with good,
you who are the Infinite Good that overcomes evil.
Beloved, in the name of the crucified and risen Christ,
give me wisdom, hope and courage to resist.Amen.
(* United Methodist baptismal vows)
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
August 28, 2020