M. Suzanne Terry

For our country – our current leaders and leaders-to-be – to seek justice and mercy and freedom and to lead us into being the country we once meant to be.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For honorable discourse and the ability to discern when to listen in order to understand and not just argue, when to speak clearly and with informed conviction, and when to flip tables because racism and social depravity and oppression are not things to be polite about.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the voices of wisdom that are speaking to rise up and be heard above the noises of sound bites and bumper sticker theology and political identity. Let the chaff be blown away by the blustery wind of its own lungs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

How long will it be until we learn the consequences of “inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me?” When will we have to answer for clinging to privileges and luxuries and discounts gleaned from the lashes on the backs of people created in your image? When we cheer for degradation, exclusion, and war crimes to be committed against ones you love, do those cheers ring “crucify” to your ears?

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Is it too late to do better? Do we even dare ask you to come? Do we have any right to expect you anymore?

Will you come anyway?