May Darfur Prayer

The following are selected prayers from the worship service at Covenant Community Church on May 5, 2008:

Dear God,
In the matter of Darfur, help me to
be concerned without cynicism
involved without fear
speak without rancor
pray without ceasing
live without complicity
so that with my brothers and sisters in Darfur we may
live with hope
act with confidence
speak truth with strength
and become your loving presence on this earth.  Amen.

Lord, we know you already hear the anguished cries of your people in Darfur.  We know that you are already present seeking to bring justice and peace to flow through the land.  We commit to join you in this effort, asking your guidance for where to focus our attention, and the power to act.  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Holy One,
Help me to know how to respond to the violence and pain and suffering in Darfur.  I want to close my mind and heart, to not know.  But I do know.  With this knowledge, give me the courage to act.  Fill me with your hope and your love.  Blow through this country with the wind of justice and keep your people disturbed and restless until they join in a great cry for an end to the killing.  Help those who are suffering to know they are not forgotten.  And change the hearts of all who act from greed or hatred or fear.  Help us to know how to join in your great transforming love.  Amen.