A Litany for Justice and Equality

Litany for Justice and Equality (in honor of Martin Luther King)            by Fran Pratt

Oh God, we are reminded today of Your infinite Love for all people:
         All races
All colors
         All political affiliations
All religious persuasions
         All social classes
All economic statuses
         All nations.
We confess our tendency to think that we are the best,
our perspective the most righteous.
         Forgive us our arrogance, Oh God.
We confess our tendency to judge others, and to condemn those we find unworthy.
         Forgive us our impertinence, Oh God.

We see others with criticism.
         You see us all with love-filled eyes.
We see only in part.
         You see the world with infinite wisdom.
We see the external.
         You see the heart.

Mold us to Your way.
         Form us to Your heart.
Shape us with love.
         Make us new with grace.

Our way is not of violence and empire, but in the power and beauty of the cross.
            Our faith is not in politics, but in the transforming love of Christ.
May we work diligently to help meet the needs of those You love,
 both physical and spiritual.
            May our eyes be opened to the value and worth of each person we meet. 
May Your kingdom come, Your will be done
            On earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Other MLK sermons, litanies and essays can be found at textweek.com.

Dorothy is Door-knocking!

I was catching up with friend and neighbor Dorothy over the holidays.  After we shook our heads over the political situation, I asked if she was taking any action.  Indeed she is!  She has been door-knocking on Saturday mornings for the Orange County Democratic Party.  She is using the "Neighbors in Action" approach of listening to people about what matters to them and building relationships, to prepare for political action closer to the 2018 elections.

I have heard all about this, but haven't quite stepped up to doing it myself.  Dorothy noted that door-knocking is out of her comfort zone, but that she has been pleasantly surprised that people are almost all friendly and want to be listened to!

We in Orange County are fortunate to be in a place where our action for the 2018 elections can make a difference.  Door-knocking is out of the comfort zone of most people.  But if Dorothy can do it, so can we!  (I'll let you know how it goes...)