Oh God, we lament the trauma that is happening to asylum seekers at the U.S. Border
Lord, have mercy.
We pray for an end to separation of families, the desperation of parents and children, and the degradation of their dignity.
Lord, have mercy.

We lament the violence and corruption that is forcing these immigrants to leave their home countries.
Lord, have mercy.
We pray for an end to corrupt government, violent power structures, and poor living conditions in Central America.
Lord, have mercy. 
We lament the policy decisions enacted by our own U.S. leadership that have led to the traumatizing of children and infants.
Lord, have mercy. 
We pray for humane and just legislation to be passed by congress immediately.
Lord, have mercy.

We lament our own societal apathy, our tendency to be blind and uncaring toward the alien, the refugee, the orphan, the widow.
Lord, have mercy. 
We pray for the reformation of our own hearts, that we may have the compassion and wisdom of Christ.
Lord, have mercy. 

For peace in Central America,
We pray to the Lord.
For humane practices at our borders,
We pray to the Lord. 
For just and compassionate government here at home,
We pray to the Lord.
For loving hearts toward all seeking safety,
We pray to the Lord.  

May the love of Christ compel and bind us, from the poorest and most powerless to the most privileged and powerful.
May the light of Christ shine upon us all. Amen

A Collection of Litanies from Fran Pratt

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Leviticus 19:33-34

When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.

Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

I am the Lord your God.