Reflection by Bp Tony Green Pastor of Saint John of God Mission (near Albany NY)

 

If you would like to have a reflection considered for publication, please send your writing to Bp. Tony Green at revtonygreen@gmail.com

Dear God,

Thank you for creating all of humanity in your image; all of your creation you have called good – each and every unique, colorful human being.  (Genesis 1:27-31)

Humanity has not lived up to the great responsibility you gave us to care for your creation – particularly the care of and for one another, God.  We have become arrogant, jealous, egocentric, racist, judgmental, inconsiderate, hateful, sexist, homophobic, and too often only care for ourselves.  Yes – God – we know we are our brother’s and our sister’s keeper, but we have failed.  (Genesis 4:9-10)

Help us, Lord.  Help us to do as the Prophet Micah spoke: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8)

You sent your son, Jesus, O God, to redeem us through his life, death, and resurrection.  We pray we will strive to live out his greatest commandment to love you with all our heart, mind, and soul – and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-38)

Lord, help us to find a way to listen more than we speak – love more than we hate – learn more than we judge – create more than we destroy – and exhibit strength and unity in faith as we face the evil of racism and oppression that has divided.  (Galatians 3:27-28)

Dear God – indeed, faith without works is dead.  Help us to put our faith into action as we preach the Good News of Jesus, proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sigh to the blind, and release to the oppressed.  (James 2:17 – Luke 4:18)

Make us instruments of your peace, O Lord, that we will do your will and act in the image of Christ as we seek to end societal prejudice and bigotry, systemic racism, and the horrors inflicted on people of color.

We pray for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and all who have died from inhumane and racist actions from individuals appointed to protect and serve as police officers.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

They kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory now and forever.

Amen.

Prayer written by:  Bishop Tony Green

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