A Prayer for Charlottesville, Va

Jose Cortes Jr., an associate ministerial director of the North American Division, and Celeste Ryan Blyden, a vice president at the Columbia Union Conference, led worshippers in the following prayer of commitment during the August 19 joint worship service in Charlottesville, Va.

A Prayer of Commitment for Charlottesville

August 19, 2017

By Celeste Ryan Blyden

Leader: Oh God, as a community and as a people, we abhor evil and stand against individuals and organizations who perpetuate hatred, violence, and discrimination.

All: Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God?

Leader: You have called each of us to love, to be compassionate and to show mercy to all people no matter their race or gender.

All: Teach us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God and one another.

Leader: We honor that call and stand in solidarity with those who seek peace and justice.

All: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let me walk with my brothers and sisters in peace and harmony.

Leader: Help us to do everything in our power to end the scourge of racism, sexism and discrimination whenever and wherever we see it.

All: May we love one another as You have loved us.

Leader: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

All: May our purpose and goal be to demonstrate God’s love, bring healing to those who hurt, and live together in harmony.

Leader: Bring peace to our hearts and our community we pray.  

All: Amen

 

This prayer draws from the joint Allegheny West Conference, Potomac Conference and Columbia Union Conference statement released August 15 and the following Bible texts: Psalm 133:1; Malachi 2:10; 1 John 4:11 and Micah 6:8.