A Prayer for Justice and Grace
I can no longer sustain my rage, God. I can no longer use my anger, my hurt, my desire for retribution to continue the fight to change the system. I feel like a broken record when I say that the horrific shooting of Jacob Blake is one too many. The horrific death of George Floyd is one too many. The horrific death of Breonna Taylor...how long will this record play?
God, change has to come – we can no longer uphold and validate the system that murders and maims lives that YOU, God, have created. Lives that have been created in your image. Even now, as I write this, the anger and pain overwhelm me. What I ask from you, God, is grace, wisdom, perseverance and the will to create the world in the image of your kingdom.
A world where people are treated with justice, dignity, grace and compassion. A world where people can be free to live without the threat of state-sanctioned violence hanging over them. A world where the government lifts up each individual’s worth and value, instead of oppressing and denying them their rights.
Bless us this day with the strength to continue and engage in the work to create a system that is just and equitable. Where we no longer mourn the loss of Black and Brown lives, but instead lift up their lives and their glory.
Sarah Yousuf
Associate Director of City and County Policy