This morning, Lord, I’m praying for many people,
just a day after Dobbs v. Jackson…
I’m praying for those
disappointed and angry,
who believe their rights have been trampled and crushed:
their choice and autonomy wrenched from their grasp…
And I’m praying for those
now claiming a victory,
who believe that justice has finally prevailed:
the right to life, refreshed and reclaimed…
I pray for our country,
torn apart and embittered,
where the battle for rights will continue to rage,
dividing our nation, body and soul…
I pray for the Church
to preach with compassion
the gospel of life as the wisdom for choosing
what’s loving and true, what’s generous and good…
And I pray for the Church
to faithfully serve
with shelter, support, understanding and help
people and life in all shapes and all forms…And last, but not least, Lord,
I pray for the children conceived every day:
planned or unplanned, welcome or not,
impaired or healthy, ill-timed or convenient,
each one made in your image divine,
each one named by your love and your grace,
each one, your own, entrusted to us…
Many to pray for, many to hold
in our arms, in our care, in our love.
Help us to welcome the gift of new life
with its challenges, burdens and blessings,
with the strength and help of your grace…
Amen.
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And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying,
“Thus says the Lord of hosts,
Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,
do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor,
and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
prayer & verse 
