God of Justice & Love,
The images! The events!
We are frightened! We are disturbed!
How can this be happening here, O Lord?
We believed we were better than this.
We have degenerated from polarization to uncivil acts.
How, O Lord, can this be our nation?
Having committed our lives to you,
we find ourselves unsure what we can do,
and, so, we turn toward you at this time.
Calm us,
but more critically,
calm the minds and bodies bent upon destruction and violence
Move our leaders
and systems they control
to bring these events under control.
Touch our hearts with your love
and likewise, soothe and soften the hearts
of those with whom we disagree
especially those who stir up the populace for their own ends.
Lead us and our fellow citizens
to find ways to turn from this path
of horror and disunity.
Guide us, all of us, to a willingness,
in the following days
to face our national demons.
Lead us to learn
and grow as one human family.
In the name of the Christ,
Amen.
Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children, and their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. A former early childhood educator, Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.
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