A Prayer for Unbound

Recently I have been named as one of the first local organizers for Unbound. I believe strongly in Unbound’s mission that “examines, expresses, and provokes social justice as inspired by the prophetic gospel of Jesus Christ,” and I have been honored to be published in the journal. Unbound is interested in hearing what people on the ground actually care about and giving them resources to think theologically, raise awareness, and take action. So today I have chosen to write a prayer for Unbound.

Prayer for Unbound

Holy God,
Sometimes we cringe when we think about you being angry,
but when we look around we see a world that is so broken
we get angry.
Between poverty, violence, hunger, abuse, oppression, sex trafficking
it’s no wonder you and we get angry!
But it’s not worldly anger we’re feeling—
it’s an overwhelming desire for righteousness and justice.
We have a different vision for the world—
a vision that has been shaped by the words of prophets,
the stories of generations of faithful communities,
and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
We have texts that proclaim
let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
and

God has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
and

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.
We need modern day prophets, people who can see clearly how things can be different
and how to live into that vision.

Thank you, God, for the social justice journal Unbound
and for the ministry of its editor Rev. Patrick Heery.
This journal is giving voice to prophets, poets, and preachers
and is connecting people who are working toward common goals.
This journal both advocates for people whose voices are silenced
and hands the microphone over so people can speak for themselves.
May your Spirit continue to empower Rev. Heery and all those involved in writing and publication.
May your Spirit breathe new life, a thirst for righteousness, and a vision of Justice to all who read. Amen.