A Prayer For Our Times

Oh Holy One of Eve, who met curiosity with courage and enlightened her eyes to the world, grant us the courage to see things clearly as they are and as they should be.

– So that no woman should be stripped of her agency or her worth.

Oh Holy One of Noach, who faced crisis and found strength to build an ark of safety, give us the strength to guide our beloved community to safer shores.

– So that no community is ravaged by climate catastrophe or a sickened earth.

Oh Holy One of Abraham, who stood for life and dignity of all, to do what is right and just, fortify our conviction that each human is made in the Image of the Divine.

– So that we remain unafraid to speak unpopular truths in defense of the marginalized, the oppressed and the poor.

Oh Holy One of Joseph, who through bold vision was able to imagine abundance for all and lack for none, inspire us with an inclusive vision of our future.

– So that we recommit to a dream where artificial scarcity is banished and no child needs to go hungry in this country of plenty.

Oh Holy One of Shifra and Puah, who faithfully defied the powerful to stand in the breach for the vulnerable; empower us in holy disobedience to defend the voiceless.

– So that we midwife peaceful protest, dissent and democracy in through times of moral emergency.

Oh Holy One of Miriam, who cradled a persecuted infant, standing firmly among the reeds, make us stand tall in protection of the persecuted immigrant.

– So that no immigrant or refugee needs to be hidden or made afraid for Pharaoh’s harsh decree.

Oh Holy One of Moses, who heard the call of justice and mercy from the burning bush, kindle in us the flame to speak with radical empathy even when our words falter.

– So that we always hold the inner light that binds us to our greatest commitments, our ultimate concern and never has us waver in the face of tyranny.

Oh Holy One of Joshua, who entered the land with fearless audacity, strengthen our hearts with good courage to go where we have not gone before.

– So that we step across borders, into an uncertain land, with bravery and hope that a brighter and better day will dawn for all of us; 

…out of many one.

May You, God of Mercy, Stronghold of Peace, Guardian of the Stranger, bless us with the work of our hands and through the work of our hands when we are weary and afraid, and plant our feet firmly in the cause of justice and love.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Who gives God’s people strength and Who blesses God’s people with peace.

Amen.