Prayers for Inclusion

Anti-Discrimination Poster, Hong Kong, 2005

Image Source = Wikipedia

From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

God of compassion, do not forsake the ones cast out from the center of the circle.  Move closer to the core of them as others move away.  Cast your circle wider than our small circumference, so that all who are out are in and blessed in your own loving way.  Amen.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

God of all cultures, God of all people, help us not to label anyone inferior or second-class.  Help us overcome our attitudes of superiority and oppression.  May we broaden our vision and widen our tents so that plurality and diversity determine who we are; people called and committed to a world united in justice and peace, now and forever.  Amen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Save us, O Lord, from being idle bystanders–looking on and attempting to interpret the dilemmas of a broken world, yet rarely willing to act.  Give us compassion for the lost and confused, the weary and the oppressed.  Save us from slick and simplistic answers to human problems, which offer words but no real help.  Unsettle us, and move us on from viewing the plight of sin-scarred people, to actions that promote spiritual and inward healing and liberating forgiveness.  Cleanse our lives, that they may be instruments worthy of conveying your truth of abundant and everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We ask in his name.  Amen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Lord Jesus Christ, you are alive in the world: among the poor and oppressed, the pavement dwellers and refugees of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Amid the garbage and ruins, in depths of despair and suffering, there you are.

The friendly face of a homeless child stares up at us; an old man smiles and blesses us; a beggar woman shares a handful of rice between her hungry children and the orphan who joins them.  Of such is the kingdom.

Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot see you as Thomas did, or tough you with our hands, but you come in unexpected ways and speak through people whose backgrounds and outlooks are different from our own.

Help us to listen with respect to their experiences and reflect upon their insights.

Free us from pride to find your dignity and presence wherever you are.  Amen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Chalice Worship (1997), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

O God, you created all people in your image.  We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world.  Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.