A LITANY FOR THE IMMIGRANT FAMILIES AT THE BORDER[i]
The lectionary from the gospel of Mark shares a great windstorm that arose. The waves beat at the boat. The church is often seen as a boat. And as we see these troubled waters at our borders, they beat us down too. We hear cries of innocent children being torn from their families at our southern borders. We, in turn, cry out in prayer.
Lord, do you not care that they are perishing?
When children are used as pawns to create national security and immigration policies rather than focus on keeping children safe with their families..
Lord, do you not care that they are perishing?
When we struggle with morality and issues of legality outside of your law of love, we confess our failure to have steadfast faith. For you, Lord Jesus, are the fulfillment of the law. O, how we your come to you this day with our own struggling and brokenness as we seek your understanding and your holy ways to be authentically yours.
Lord, do you not care that we are perishing?
Yet from you, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we hear the call to have faith and trust in your goodness. We are not overcome by evil. We are overcome by the need to extend grace. Splash your healing waters from our baptisms to keep us grounded in your ways. Our baptisms call for us to act justly, to love our neighbors through our prayers, and in visibly tangible ways.
Lord, we care for those who are perishing.
Fill us mightily with your Holy Spirit to take risks and reflect your love with these troubled waters at our borders. With awe you call us to act, to be your church, to be the boat calmed by you as we hear the call to step out in faith. Speak to us your people to confess with our lips and hearts,
Lord, we care for those who are perishing.
In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.
[i] Written by Rev. Laura Dunlap