Friday, March 16, 2012

Lenten Prayer #24: For Bonds of Injustice to be Broken

Isa. 58:6-8
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator* shall go before you,
the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard.

Matt. 9:13
Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’

We ask for transformation of economic structures that do not reflect justice. Reveal the ways that our own financial decisions may keep others trapped in cycles of injustice. Expose the bonds of wickedness that are within our reach to change, and give us ways to free people suffering under oppression. You gave us an assignment that we have yet to accomplish, that we will learn your fiery desire for mercy. Sometimes our lives may be so easy that we begin to think even minimal deeds are a "sacrifice." Ignight our hearts with your love for others. May we be ambitious to see your mercy and justice on a major scale. We pray for a new day, a day of blessing and abundance for all. Amen

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