Today’s Reflection
Litanies offer a radical welcome to people in that they remove intimidation participants may feel in entering into communal prayer. Litanies say, We are here, and the grace is that we can connect without the pressure to conjure, perform, or be anything other than what we are. Litanies are a rhythmic dance laced with the lamentations and joy of old spirituals, a sacred inhale and exhale for when we find ourselves asking, What will we say when we gather?
—Shane Claiborne, in Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, edited and compiled by Britney Winn Lee (Fresh Air Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
When have you prayed with a group before participating in a political demonstration? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as [we] see the Day approaching.
—Hebrews 10:24-25 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
ONE: Come marchers, intercessors, artists, and prophets.
Come newcomers and those who have tried, tried again.
ALL: Get close, get close, get closer now.
Draw near, ask questions, sing songs, take steps.
We need you together.
Prayer by Britney Winn Lee
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
The final litany from Rally was written by Britney Winn Lee in the beginning days of the global pandemic. This prayer reminds us that hope endures; goodness prevails; people surprise us; and love cannot, has not, will not fail. Watch and listen.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
I have not prayed with a group before participating in a political demonstration nor have I participated in a political demonstration. An occasional donor to political campaigns, I’m primarily an advocate for causes and a voter.
A new series on the Holocaust from Ken Burns opens our eyes to America’s sentiments and actions in the time before and during WWII. Immigrants from Southern and Eastern European were not welcomed. They were not the WASPs of Northern Europe. Antisemitism made it hard for Jewish people to immigrate and escape the terror of Nazi Germany. It’s worse than a sad story.
Prayers that we learn from our mistakes and become the country we say we are. All men (human beings) are created equal, precious in God’s sight, created in great diversity. Love thy neighbor as thyself, love your enemies. With God these actions are possible. Thank You, Lord.
I have not participated in a political rally.
Spent the day with Megan yesterday. We both received our flu vaccines and Covid boosters. We also went shopping. We had hoped to attend an arts and crafts festival that is set in the woods. It is used as a representation of the French and Indian War. There are war reenactments and even tents and such set up as a solddiers’ camp would have been. All the people with booths of wares dress in period pieces. However, it rained and was windy so we did not attend.
Prayers fo rAlly, may her pain be less today. Prayers for David as he learns to use his cane. Prayers for April as she cares for her loved one and her neighbors. Prayers for Jill as she attends to her students for another week. Prayers for Lou as she continues to support her mother and brother. Prayers for her brother to have relief from his suffering. Prayers for Robert and his church as they continue to plan for the future.
Neither have I attended a political rally.
I do find communal prayer valuable. I treasure opportunities in my small group to share this sacred time. It always seems non-rushed and holy.
Today was an easy day at school, as both of my afternoon classes had assessments. The one class did very poorly. It was their first assessment with me. I will be speaking to them about what proper preparation needs to look like.
I heard from dad last evening that he had made it to Florida, and my sister and Don were there waiting for him. He is anxious to find a rhythm there, to set up a schedule to play golf, bridge, bid Euchre amongst other things. I am glad he will have companionship.
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