MHCC Peaceful Protest

God of Grief We weep with all those who have lost too much lately. We acknowledge our brothers and sister that were taken by the evils of whiteness, racism, and violence. Ahmaud Breonna George Three names in a list too long to mourn. We pray for mercy. We pray for compassion. We pray for justice. God of Justice We pray your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us as we have done so little to bring about your vision for this world. Deliver us from this evil and oppression, violence and sin. Recognized and unrecognized. God of creation You created the universe and everything in it and call all people your children. So we pray for the end of our systems and institutions of racism. Of Poverty. Of hunger. Of homelessness. Of hatred. Of war. Stir our imaginations for active hope. God of Peace Keep your promises to the meek. There is no justice unless there is justice for all. God of the Great Reversal Blessed are the poor. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are those who can’t stop the tears. Turn our sorrow into dancing and our mourning into joy. May we work together for common purpose and peace as your people called to love. Amen. -Ryan Pryor Statement of Solidarity Prayer of Lament Dear Black Son Pray with our feet “Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’ “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’” Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”” Luke 18:1-8 MSG