Date: Fri, 31 Mar 95 13:11:52 EST From: "James D. Anderson" MORE LIGHT UPDATE Volume 13, Number 6 -- January 1994 RAINBOW PRAYERS Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns James D. Anderson, Communications Secretary P.O. 38 New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038 908/249-1016, 908/932-7501 (Rutgers University) FAX 908/932-6916 (Rutgers University) Internet: janderson@zodiac.rutgers.edu Note: * is used to indicate italicized or boldface text. CHANGES Doug Calderwood's telephone number is 505/281-0073. Doug is a member of the PLGC executive board. NOTICES Janie Spahr Is Coming to South Florida Come join in a "Conversation with Janie" at Riviera Presbyterian Church, 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami, Florida. For information, call the church at 305/666-8586. You are invited to stay after Janie's session to help strategize about next steps. Please R.S.V.P. if you plan to stay later so supper can be provided for you. NEWS BRIEF Gay Ordinations Upheld in Oregon Judicial Case Louisville, Ky. -- The General Assembly's Permanent Judicial Commission has ruled that an ordination of gay and lesbian persons by an Oregon session was "irregular" but that Cascades Presbytery acted properly in refusing to annul them. . . . When Central Church (Eugene, OR) ordained two self-affirming, practicing homosexual members to the office of deacon on June 16, 1991, the session of Hope Church (Portland, OR) filed a complaint with the Presbytery of the Cascades, contending that the ordinations violated Presbyterian law and constituted rebellion against the word and will of God. It asked that the ordinations be declared irregular and that they be annulled. In February of 1992, the presbytery's Permanent Judicial Commission agreed that the ordinations were irregular but that annulment was "inappropriate." It also rejected Hope's contention that the ordinations constituted a rebellion against God. Hope appealed to the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission, which ruled in March 1993 that the presbytery commission acted properly in refusing to annul the ordinations. It then went further by ruling that the presbytery had erred in calling the ordinations irregular. (See the complete Synod decision in the October 1993 More Light Update, p. 1-4.) In April of 1993, Hope appealed the synod's decision to the General Assembly's Permanent Judicial Commission. The Assembly PJC's ruling affirmed Cascades Presbytery's Permanent Judicial Commission's decision (upheld by the synod) refusing to annul the ordinations. The PJC also affirmed the presbytery's decision (and thereby overturned the synod's decision) that nevertheless the ordinations were irregular. Finally, the commission affirmed both the presbytery and synod commissions' decisions that the ordinations did not constitute a rebellion against God. Five commission members issued an "Opinion Concurring and Dissenting in Part." The group came down on the side of the synod Q that not only was annulment not proper, but the ordinations were not irregular. They argued that banning ordination of gay and lesbian persons on the grounds of "definitive guidance," a 1978 General Assembly action (supplanted by the 1993 Assembly with the term "authoritative interpretation"), and not the "Book of Order" is unconstitutional. . . . -- News, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), News Briefs 9345, November 12, 1993, Presbyterian News Service. The Update will publish the full text of this latest PJC decision, including the wonderful dissenting opinion, in its February 1994 issue. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Rainbow Prayers 1994 From People of Color Concerned for Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgenders Edited and Introduced by Chris Glaser _________________________________________________________________ Chris Glaser is the author of a forthcoming book of meditations, *The Word Is Out -- The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men*, due from HarperSanFranciso in May of 1994. He is the author of three other books: *Uncommon Calling, Come Home!, and Coming Out to God*. Available for talks, retreats, workshops, and conferences, you may contact him at (404) 873 7937, or write him at 1141 Villa Dr. NE #1, Atlanta, GA 30306-2585. _________________________________________________________________ Introduction and Dedication During PLGC's annual meeting at the last General Assembly, a proposed change in the by-laws caught my attention. New wording had been recommended for a section on the nominating committee: "Nominations shall be made by a representative Nominating Committee which shall itself include women and men, striving for representation of persons of all ages and racial-ethnic backgrounds among the membership of PLGC." As the floor debated including yet others to the list of whom should be considered for nomination, I looked around the room and saw very few people of color. It reminded me of a synod debate on a "representative" committee many years before. I had wryly whispered to another commissioner then, "I would argue for the inclusion of a *gay* representative, but *I* don't want to serve on yet one more committee!" Our intentions are good when passing such by-law amendments. But, as my Baptist pastor used to say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Intentions without action is not enough. People of color already perceive themselves to be in a vulnerable position within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We know the experience of being a minority within the church. People of color who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender may feel yet more unsafe within the church, and often perceive themselves to be in a vulnerable position within their own communities of color. Most of us only partly know that experience of being a minority within a minority. Yes, we know what it is to be a religious minority within the lesbian, gay, and bisexual minority. And though we also know what it is to be a minority within the mainstream culture, those of us who trace our ancestry to English or European roots are still members of America's dominant white culture and therefore may not grasp how unprotected others may feel. PLGC has sometimes beaten itself up about being first sexist and now racist for not including more women and people of color. But I believe we have been more sensitive to these issues than our parent denomination. I believe the real culprit has been the particular vulnerability women experience when they identify as lesbian and people of color experience when they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Those of us who are less vulnerable, I believe, are called to help create a sanctuary, or safe place, for those who are more vulnerable. I don't think it's by accident that PLGC was first largely run by young, gay males. Men -- even, to some degree, *gay* men -- enjoy more freedom in our church and our culture than women -- even straight women. And younger ones have less to lose than older, established ones. Thanks be to God, that's changing. Women are more equally participating in PLGC's leadership and ministry. They still do so at risk to themselves, and their courage must be supported and celebrated. And older women and men are more willing to risk established careers and families to speak up and speak out. We must also be sensitive to the special vulnerability of people of color, for whom identification with our cause is often too dangerous. And we must be intentional about reaching out, so we may mutually benefit from one another's vision of God's commonwealth. Most readers will know my first approach to resolving any dilemma is to begin with prayer. And so, as I sat listening to the debate on the representation of racial and ethnic persons within PLGC, I thought of editing a book of prayers written by people of color or of other countries who supported our concerns. Instead of calling this small volume *More Light Prayers*, I chose to call it *Rainbow Prayers*. Some have criticized PLGC's emphasis on "more light" as implicitly racist, as it seems to emphasize the superiority of *white* light. But light is made up of a spectrum of colors, as a rainbow proves by refracting light, as through a prism. *Without all the colors of the rainbow, there would be no light.* So it is within the church. The rainbow recalls God's first promise to humankind, after the destruction of the flood. God promised then to deliver human life from mass destruction. By embracing the rainbow, we resist our self-destructive tendencies toward racism. The rainbow was and is an epiphany, a manifestation of God's glorious presence in our world. The original idea of this *More Light Update* issue of prayers was to employ the under-utilized season of Epiphany to pray for the "more light" we seek in the church on inclusiveness and sexuality. That the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday occurs during Epiphany (Jan.15; observed on the 17th this year) seems particularly appropriate, as he manifested divine illumination and presence in our world. What follows is a modest sampling. Though I invited many to contribute -- both personally at the Presbyterian peacemaking conferences and by letter to those whose addresses I could find -- the response has been small. This indicates the work PLGC needs to do to make our network a safer place. I have added a few prayers written by people of color from previous prayer books. No presumptions about a contributor's sexual orientation should be made. Prayers remain the property of the contributor, but may be used for non-profit purposes. Most biblical quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version with some inclusive language changes. I have not presumed to change God-language to render it gender neutral except in scriptural texts that I have myself added to accompany a prayer. I believe that one of the ways we understand one another's languages is to listen to theological metaphors that are important to a particular community rather than imposing our own. I dedicate this issue to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the ministry of Mary Jane Patterson, an African American who represented the Presbyterian Church as our lobbyist on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Without any prompting, she assumed our cause as worthy of her efforts from the beginning. Anyone who knows her loves her: her charm, wit, spunk, wisdom, passion, and perspective challenged elected officials and gave hope to those seeking justice. I thank God for her, and people like her! Chris Glaser Atlanta, Georgia _______________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for More Light There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 God of all creation, be kind to those who are not always understood as they ought to be. Be kind to those who are lonely, and hurting in spirit. Be kind to those who have the dreaded virus that usually leads to painful AIDS-related diseases. Give strength, O God, to those who are suffering from unspeakably terrible fatal illnesses. Be of comfort to their families and friends in their sadness and feelings of helplessness. Give us more light so we may see clearly that we need one another -- white, black, latino, asian, heterosexual, homosexual, married, single, young, old -- to make our world a more decent place in which to live, in which to serve you. Anonymous (Female) Asian American California _____________________________________________________________ O our mother the earth, O our father the sky, Your children are we, and with tired backs We bring you gifts that you love. Then weave for us a garment of brightness; May the warp be the white light of morning, May the weft be the red light of evening, May the fringes be the falling rain, May the border be the standing rainbow. Thus weave for us a garment of brightness That we may walk fittingly where grass is green, O our mother the earth, O our father the sky! Tewa Pueblo Prayer Earth Prayers Elizabeth Roberts & Elias Amidon, Editors _____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Caring Stewardship Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." Genesis 1:26 God of all creation, what incredible love and trust you showed for us -- making us in your own image and giving us the awesome responsibility of taking care of all you created! Forgive us, Lord, for not doing a good job of looking out for each other, or taking care of your natural world. Forgive me, particularly, for not being there for a brother or sister who feels alienated by the church family because of sexual orientation. Enable us, with the God-spirit in each of us to reach out in love to these and to any other member experiencing alienation for *any* reason. Empower us to be reconcilers, peacemakers, and good stewards of all the gifts with which you have blessed us. In the name of our Lord, who loves each one of us unconditionally, I pray. Amen. Ruth Slade African American New Jersey * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for the Blessing of Diversity "When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." Genesis 9:16 Gracious and merciful God, Creator and Author of Life: You see people as persons, beautiful in their diversity, whether it be cultural, age, gender, sexuality, nationality, race, creed, or other. We pray that these realities may be lifted up and made holy that they will become channels of blessing, peace and understanding. A positive spirit to respect others for who they are and to be forbearing towards others and their self-expressions will bring us closer to the dawning of the new covenant symbolized by God's setting a rainbow in the heavens after the flood. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen. Paul Louie Asian American California * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for "Enough" And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, the sound of sheer silence. 1 Kings 19:12 (NRSV) Precious Lord, I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. I have been empowered by your presence in the midst of my own windstorms, my earthquakes, my fires, and on the banks of my Red Sea. We have been intimately connected when the forces of nature and humanity raged against me *and* when we were alone, wrapped in "the sound of sheer silence." But is this enough? Do I love enough, especially those who don't love me? Do I give enough, especially to those with nothing to give in return? Will there be a dove for me? Addie J. Butler African American Pennsylvania * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Children "This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12 Child of Bethlehem, Savior of the oppressed and humiliated: Come be reborn in Latin America! Our poor wait to receive you again; come and stay with us. Your birth comforts us, renews our hope and guides our lives. Come, child of Bethlehem: Come play with our children, with the beggars of bread. Day after day, give comfort to those who cannot play -- Children who cry in the hospitals, or who are afraid of abusive parents, children living in solitude, or children living with AIDS. Child of Bethlehem, look at our children, your children, so that you illuminate their faces and be their star and shepherd. Jose M. Gonzales Latino American California ____________________________________________________________ "For me the best thing has been to come to know who I am. Then I can help others, I can serve. To come to know my value as a person -- that I am important and worth something, and I am not just a part of someone else -- that is the best for me. "The worst is lack of justice. No one should just be silent because then the problem gets bigger, and how can you help that person if the person is not willing to fight? . . . "The other very bad thing has been the way I have ignored my body. I regret that I have not taken adequate care of myself." Olivia Hispanic Women -- Prophetic Voice of the Church by Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz and Yolanda Tarango _____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Illumination So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 Gracious God, we come to you today asking your blessings, guidance, and mercy in a world of hurt, chaos, prejudice, and confusion. Lord, we ask that you take a little time to visit the total church and open their eyes, hearts, ears, and minds to these conditions, and recognize the hurt and suffering of its people. Lord, we know that you are still in the healing business, and ask that you be with those families that are suffering from abandonment, hurt, AIDS, and all other incurable diseases; and lead them and us in acceptance of an individual's identity. Lord, you said we were all your children, and that you would lead us, but Lord, so many have been ignored by your children in the church! We pray that one day rays of light bright as the stars will illumine your church, so that it will be more giving, loving, and compassionate; and the struggle will be no more, for all people. In your name we pray. Amen. Sara Brown African American Arizona * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Mercy Then [a blind beggar] shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Luke 18:38-39 God of mercy and healer of human kind: listen to the cry of anguish and desperation of your creation. We are in need of your mighty touch so we may receive the favor of your healing spirit. There are many who are troubled by the infirmities of our time. Some are dying for lack of care. Unfortunately, many are victims of the sin of those who have all the means to offer the possibilities of healing, but because of selfish or unfeeling natures, stop short of reaching out to touch those in need. Have mercy on us, God, and help us to be more loving and caring in ministry and service. Rafael Aragon Latino American California ____________________________________________________________ I was going to die, if not sooner then later, whether or not I had ever spoken myself. My silence has not protected me. Your silence will not protect you. . . . May we find our voice. Audre Lord _____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Trust [Jesus said:] "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Matthew 18:19-20 *In the secrecy of an impersonal room in a retreat center, John stared at his own knees. He crossed his arms around his waist and squeezed his stomach as if he were in great pain. He said to me without lifting his head, "I have never told this to anyone before." He hesitated for a minute, and then said in a barely audible voice, "I'm a homosexual." I knew this was coming, but I did not expect what he would say next. "Please do not tell anybody this," he said with shame, and then, in an angry voice, "I swear I will kill you if you tell this to anyone . . . ."* O Christ: You told us that when two or three are gathered in Your Name, You are in our midst. Many gays and lesbians have experienced a world of hatred, distrust, threat, betrayal, and rejection. When we gather, sometimes even in Your Name, we still carry that hatred and distrust with us. Teach us to trust again. Give us the wisdom to discern Your presence in our midst. Give us the courage to touch you. Help us to allow ourselves to be touched by You and one another, That in touching and connecting with your wellspring of healing power, We may be cleansed of our self-hatred and fear, and learn to accept and support one another. Through Jesus Christ, the great healer. Amen. Eric H. F. Law Asian American California * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Deliverance Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me. . . . For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. . . . Each evening they come back, howling like dogs . . . with sharp words on their lips -- for "Who," they think, "will hear us?" . . . My God in [God's] steadfast love will meet me; my God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 59:1, 3-4, 6, 10 Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." Matthew 9:20-22 God of love -- loving . . . God of strength -- empowering . . . God of gentleness -- healing . . . Deliver me from those who are intent on crushing me. Like a disease they rise up against me to sap my vitality, they work evil against me like a lethal virus, their bloodthirstiness ravages my very soul. For no transgression or sin -- *they* call it sin -- of mine, For no fault of mine -- *they* accuse me of choosing it -- they run and make ready. I long to touch the healing hem . . . that I may be rejuvenated. I long to take their hand in mine and together touch the healing hem that your LOVE-STRENGTH-GENTLENESS can make us whole. Then I will burst into a mighty song every morning declaring your MIGHT . . . your LOVE . . . "O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love." Anonymous Latino American California _____________________________________________________________ Way back in the beginning of our Union, someone asked what we expected from the Church. I answered that we did not want more churches or cathedrals; rather, we wanted the Church to be present with us, beside us, willing to sacrifice for justice, ready to be Christ among us. Cesar Chavez Ministry of the Dispossessed by Pat Hoffman _____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for All Living With AIDS Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 O Dios nuestro Sosten, estamos llenos de agravio y confusion, temerosos en nuestro dolor y soledad. Tu eres quien puede levantarnos y darnos la fortaleza y esperanza que necesitamos. *Amado Dios, escucha nuestra oracion.*[1] We come to you that we may be healed. We are hurt and suffer from this disease called AIDS. *Loving God, hear our prayer.* Consuela a esos que estan temerosos, anciosos, y perplejos. Illumina esos que juzgan en ignorancia. *Amado Dios, escucha nuestra oracion.*[2] We pray, too, oh God, for the brokenness in our relationships and our world. We ask you to heal these wounds, especially the ones which thrust us apart. *Loving God, hear our prayer.* Presentamos nuestros hermanos y hermanas que estan muriendo. Quita toda lagrima de sus ojos. Fortalezeles en su lucha por integridad y libertad, que ellos puedan encontrar paz en tu presencia. *Amado Dios, escucha nuestra oracion.*[3] Create in us a holy place where we can care for ourselves when we feel hopeless, when we feel we can no longer bear the suffering from this terrible disease. Enable us to nurture and care for each other, for we know that we are both healers and in need of healing. O Dios abre nuestros ojos para ver y nuestros oidos para oir, que podamos entender y que entendiendo podamos clamar por misericordia y justicia por aquellos que sufren. Permitenos traer luz en las tinieblas de nuestra sociedad, que seamos dirgidos por tu Espiritu en nuestro esfuerzo hasta alcanzar la cura de esta plaga. Todo esto oramos en la confianza de que tu te complaces en oir nuestro clamor porque tu eres nuestra vida, nuestra esperanza, y nuestra paz. Amen.[4] From Un Llamado Ha Compasion: El Sida & La Comunidad Hispana (A Call to Compassion: AIDS Ministry in the Hispanic Community"). New York [A translation of the Spanish by Jim Anderson: 1. O God our Support, we are full of aggravation and confusion, frightened in our pain and loneliness. You are the One who lifts us up and gives us the strength and hope that we require. *Loving God, hear our prayer.* 2. Comfort those who are frightened, anxious, and perplexed. Enlightened those who judge in ignorance. *Loving God, hear our prayer.* 3. We present our brothers and sisters who are dying. Wipe every tear from their eyes. Strengthen them in their battle for integrity and liberty, that they may find peace in your presence. *Loving God, hear our prayer.* 4. O God open our eyes to see and our ears to hear, that we may understand and that, with understanding, we may cry out for compassion and justice for those who suffer. Permit us to carry light in the darkness of our society, that we may be guided by your Spirit in our effort to attain a cure for this plague. All this we pray in the confidence that you welcome our cry, for you are our life, our hope, and our peace. Amen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Inner Peace [Jesus] woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to [the disciples], "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" Mark 4:39-40 Loving and merciful God, we are so grateful that you are there to help us to ride the waves of the storms of life that we have endured much too long. Thank you for calming our spirit and helping us to gain victory over our enemy by waiting on you to fight our battles. Thank you for waking us up each day, clothed in our right mind. Thank you for Jesus, who lives and makes it possible for us to live and face another day. Lord, we are living in turbulent times, where mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, are killing each other. We have turned from you and become lovers of ourselves. Please take us back, dear Lord, to that place and time where we first received you. Renew our joy, restore our faith in you, so when the evil days come nigh, we can say we have no pleasure in them. All glory be yours in Jesus' name. Amen. Barbara Haynes African American California Prayer for Lesbians and Gay Men in Latin America Yahweh (the God of the Exodus) has now begun to work liberating justice and judgments in favor of all the oppressed. He made known his characteristic ways of acting to Moses; her saving deeds to the daughters and sons of Israel. Psalm 103:6-7 Dear God, this fundamental portion of a favorite psalm is commonly omitted in our comfortable liturgies and hymnic paraphrases. No wonder, God! It's easier to domesticate you for idolatrous incantation than to worship in Spirit and Truth -- and pay the "cost of discipleship." Authentic Lesbian and Gay liberation is but the most recent chapter in the story of your historical project of cosmic liberation (Romans 8:21). We pray for the 40 million Gaymen and Lesbians in Latin America, for the handful of national pastors and missionaries who seek to minister to them, and for the struggle for all human rights and dignity on a continent long dominated by violence, oppression, and poverty. Tom Hanks European American Argentina * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Truth, Life, Dignity, and Freedom "Do not be worried and upset," Jesus told them. "Believe in God and believe also in me . . ." Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me." John 14:1,6 Buen Dios, que dulce suenan tus palabras a mis oidos: -- "no te angusties ni tengas miedo," sin embargo no es facil . . . Cada dia el odio, el prejuicio y la ignorancia me persiguen, me persiguen por ser yo mismo, soy un extranjero en una tierra extran~a y pagana; solo tus palabras me animan y me dan coraje, gran Autor de mi existencia. Transito un Camino, aunque riezgoso, es el unico que me conduce a tu reino prometido; busco, creo y sostengo la unica Verdad que me da paz y gozo; lucho protejiendo y defendiendo la Vida, por la cual soy y sere siempre. Buen Dios, que dulce suenan a mis oidos tus palabras; porque a pesar de todos los pesares, soy amado, digno y libre, porque creo y creere siempre, en tu Hijo Jesucristo. Amen. Roberto Gonzalez Latino Argentina [A translation by Jim Anderson -- Good God, how sweet your words sound to my ears: -- "Don't be anxious nor be afraid," but it's not easy . . . Every day hate, prejudice and ignorance persecute me, they persecute me for being myself, I am a stranger in a strange and pagan land; Only your words inspire me and give me courage, great Author of my existence. Following your path, even though risky, is the only way that leads me to your promised land; I seek, believe and hold only the Truth that gives me peace and joy; I struggle, protecting and defending Life, this is my purpose, and will be so always. Good God, how sweet your words sound to my ears; because in spite of all my sorrows, I am loved, worthy and free, because I believe and will believe always, in your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for All Peoples And the foreigners who join themselves to the [Sovereign] . . . these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the [Sovereign] God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered. Isaiah 56:6-8 Dear God, we pray for the strength to continue bearing witness to your message of love for all people, be they Asian, African, European, Latin, Native American, or any other descent. Heavenly Parent, let us be forever mindful of the words that your son, Jesus, spoke to the disciples when he said "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Creator, Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Dear God, may we carry out this mission, knowing that in our faithfulness to your commandments, we will achieve justice for people of all colors, lesbians, gay men and women, bisexuals, transgendered people, and all others who have been excluded. Let us stay ever mindful that it is through love and because of love that the victory will be won. Amen. Bernard E. Barbour African American Texas _____________________________________________________________ Was not Jesus an extremist for love? Martin Luther King, Jr. Letter from a Birmingham jail _____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Grace And again [Jesus] said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." Luke 13:20-21 Our Father and our God: I want to thank you for the many gifts you have bestowed upon me and for always being there. Lord, keep me from being judgmental of others when I don't understand. Help me not to discriminate because they are different. We are all equal in your sight. I trust you will help me and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in all I say and do. Amen. Anna L. Williams African American New Jersey * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for the Spirit "And I will ask God, and you will be given another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth . . . But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom God will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. . . . When the Spirit of truth comes, you will be guided into all the truth." John 14:17, 26; 16:13 God, source of all life, we pray: Fulfill your promise and bless us with your presence. Without you we cannot live as a new creation. Only you lead us into the truth. Only you broaden our horizon and our heart so that we can accept each other with empathy and without prejudice -- whatever our culture and tradition, our gender or sexual orientation, or our age and education may be. Each day transform us so that we may become more human, more friendly towards our neighbors and all your creation. Make us co-workers and partners in your work of love and liberation. May evil be overcome with good in us and around us. May your will prevail. For your endless mercy hear our prayers and accept the grateful praise of your name. Amen. Jana Opocenska European Switzerland * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer Before Action Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Loving God, You promised that you would never leave me nor forsake me. But there are many times when I leave you out of my life. I forget to consult you about my big life-changing plans and also about the hundreds of tiny decisions I make on a daily basis. Help me to remember this little motto: **PRAYER BEFORE ACTION.** Because you have promised to be with me always, I may turn to you every moment of my day and know that you are near to guide me in my journey. For that I am eternally thankful. Amen. Irene Travis African American Texas _____________________________________________________________ Black people cannot adhere to a view of God that will weaken their drive for liberation. That means that in a racist society, we must insist that God's love and his righteousness are two ways of talking about the same reality. Righteousness means that he is doing his black thing and love means that he is doing it in the interests of both black and white people. The blackness of God points to the righteousness of God, as well as his love. James H. Cone Liberation -- A Black Theology of Liberation _____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer to Love More and More And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-10 Dear Lord, The grace and love that you offer us as your children is so pure and inclusive. When we hurt, we bring our pain and disappointments to you, anxious to know that you will understand and forgive us for our inadequacies and shortcomings. Lord, help us to be more like you. Teach us to be more understanding and loving to our brothers and sisters who face personal challenges as a result of "being." Being lesbian, Jewish, Afro-American, Hispanic, Catholic, homosexual, Caucasian, male, heterosexual, Asian, female, differently-abled -- and the list goes on. All of these things are "distractions": they cause us to miss out on relationships that can bring the joy and love that you have promised. We are all really much more alike than we are different. All of us have special needs. All of us, your children, face challenges in our society and our world. The task we face in trying to understand and accept each other will come through love. Love and only love will give us the desire to fully accept each other. Help us to look beyond the distractions and differences and begin to see the true beauty in humankind. I know, Lord, that I will be rewarded, my mind and my consciousness will be elevated. It will be easier for me to love, share with, and understand my brother and sister. I will live my life closer to you. I will have evolved. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Susan S. Nimmo African American New Jersey * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for the Feast Shared by All Peoples On this mountain the [Sovereign] of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And [God] will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations, [God] will swallow up death forever. Then the [Sovereign] God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of [God's] people [God] will take away from all the earth, for the [Sovereign] has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for [God], so that [God] might save us. This is the Sovereign for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in [God's] salvation. For the hand of the Sovereign will rest on this mountain. Isaiah 25:6-10 We praise you, Creator God, for Isaiah's promise that, in your good time, you will make a feast for all peoples, bringing together on your mountain people of all lands and languages, people of all colors and cultures, people of the all gender orientations and generational orientations, to commune with you and with one another. We ask your forgiveness for times when do not live and work toward this promise. We ask your blessings, sustaining all who are actively awaiting the fulfillment of this promise, encouraging those who pray for and proclaim this promise, empowering those who already are previewing and participating in such communion. In Christ we pray this, Amen. Virstan Bock-Yong Choy Asian American California _____________________________________________________________ The prophets announce a kingdom of peace. But peace presupposes the establishment of justice: "Righteousness shall yield peace and its fruit [shall] be quietness and confidence forever" (Is. 32:17; cf. also Ps. 85). It presupposes the defense of the rights of the poor, punishment of the oppressors, a life free from the fear of being enslaved by others, the liberation of the oppressed. Peace, justice, love, and freedom are not private realities; they are not only internal attitudes. They are social realities, implying a historical liberation. A poorly understood spiritualization has often made us forget the human consequences of the eschatological promises and the power to transform unjust social structures which they imply. The elimination of misery and exploitation is a sign of the coming of the Kingdom. Gustavo Gutierrez A Theology of Liberation ____________________________________________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Justice I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. . . . But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:21, 24 Jesus Christ, ever present in our history: grace us with your re-birth in our "America Morena*." Bring with you the promise of a life with dignity. Resurrector, take care of the lives of our children, our forests, farmland, and our cities. Multiplier of bread, look at the unemployed and help those who won't share. Tell them, tell us: Feed one another! Jesus, savior of sick people, in your hands I put this world for you to save. Jesus, return to your people who are ravaged by injustice, and restore our hope for a better tomorrow. Jose M. Gonzalez Latino American California [* "America morena" might be translated "America of color" -- JDA.] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for Divine Presence [Jesus said:] "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 Gracious and Living God, Your Word promises that Christ will be with us until the end of the world. Help us to go forward in our lives in the midst of those who refuse to live the reality of Christ's presence with us. Let the power of your presence with us guide us in our decisions to promote your love, forgiveness, and justice for all humanity. Be glorified in our lives, now and forever. In the name of the living Christ, we pray and thank you. Amen! Isaiah Jones, Jr. African American California * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prayer for an Inclusive Church Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" Acts 10:47 God, who revealed to Peter both the circumcised and uncircumcised are welcome into your kingdom; God, who promised your spirit will be an advisor to the faithful, and a comforter to the hurting; We pray your spirit will lead the church toward insights on how all your people can experience the welcome that Peter, in your Name, offered to the uncircumcised Gentiles, especially those whom the church rejects due to race, sex, and sexual orientation. God, whose grace knows no boundaries, teach us to avoid erecting barriers to human experiences that cannot be found in your kingdom. Eugene G. Turner African American Kentucky