~PRAYER
FOR TODAY~
Today,
let us be thankful that same-gender loving people no longer must serve in
silence but can live and love openly while defending their country in the
various branches of the military.
Today,
let us honor all who have served and who currently serve in uniform.
Today,
let us honor all military service men and women by hoping and praying for
peace.
Today,
let us be mindful of non-military service that is also meant to keep us safe
and make our world better…the work of first responders, the work of diplomats, and
the work of activists speaking out for women, minorities, same-gender loving
people, children, immigrants, the poor, and all who have had to work harder to
experience the good that they deserve.
Today,
let us rejoice that some in positions of authority or influence use the
resources available to them to promote “liberty and justice for all” – in particular
let us be grateful for Zambia’s First Lady, Dr
Christine Kasebs-Sata, who is an advocate for LBTG people in Africa.
Today, let us be grateful for the US Senate’s passing of the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act and let us hope that the US House of Representatives
will do likewise.
Today, let us give thanks for the 15 US states that now offer
marriage equality, that a 16th state is very close, and that the
District of Columbia, several counties and tribal communities, and an
increasing number of nations recognize and celebrate equality as well.
Today, let us be reminded that there are still many places
where one can be discriminated against, vilified, rejected, harmed, or even
killed simply for being gay or lesbian, for being suspected of being gay or
lesbian, or for being transgender or gender non-conforming; and let us recommit
to working toward the elimination of homophobia and transphobia among us.
Today, let us remember that HIV has not yet been cured and
let us wish and pray for a cure to soon be found.
And today, let us hold the people of the Philippines in our
hearts as they continue to assess the damage and losses of Hurricane Haiyan.
There are many kinds of battles and many kinds of warriors…may
all who have been willing to struggle to make our world safer, more just, and
more compassionate be abundantly blessed.
God of our hearts, we offer these prayers in the name of all
that is good and holy. Amen.
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