A Prayer for Us As We Work for Racial Justice

July 21, 2020

By Accord Board of Directors

The Accord Board of Directors felt that it would be helpful to share a communication that we think speaks into the moment we are find ourselves in as a network and work for racial justice and inclusion.  In addition to what is below, We would like to assemble any helpful resources that might assist fellow members in meeting this moment.  If you have anything you feel is useful, please send it to chad[at]accordnetwork[dot]org.

Heavenly Father,

We thank you that You created all of humanity in Your image,
     making us relational beings,
          tasking us with reflecting Your image in Shalom—
               the rightness of all relationships.

May your Kingdom come,
     where You reign in grace,
          restore all relationships,
               and every tribe, tongue, and nation
                    is nourished at Your table of love, equality, and dignity.

Hear us as we grieve the violence perpetrated against Black and indigenous communities over generations.

Forgive us for wherever we have not lived in alignment with Your Kingdom, not loving our neighbor or ourselves as You do.

Lead us as we seek to join your expanding Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Guide us as we work for justice, for equality and for conciliation—and stand in solidarity with marginalized people–both in our home communities and the areas where we work.

Empower us to model Your Kingdom as we recognize and resist racism, sexism and systems of poverty and injustice, addressing not only immediate needs, but also the systemic causes.

Help us to create inclusive institutions, both at home and in the communities where we work.

Enable us to exhibit humility, honesty, mutual respect and empowerment—both as leaders and as followers—so that our witness to the Gospel will be whole.

Give us a posture of listening and lifelong learning to increasingly love God, neighbor and ourselves.

Grow us in reflecting Your Kingdom that is characterized by forgiveness, reconciliation, justice and love.

Heavenly Father,
     we pray that all that we do,
          in word,
               and deed,
                    will bring glory to Your Name.

                         Amen.

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