Praying For The Human Family

As I prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am mindful of how blessed I am. While I am deeply concerned about the direction our country is taking, I have the luxury of putting those concerns aside–at least for a day. I can ban political talk around the Thanksgiving table because keeping the peace in my house is more important to holding my family together than planning how to take action. Still, I understand that for other families, taking action is more important than keeping the peace. 

This week and in the weeks to come, I will be praying for our country, and for healing for the pain and fear that so many are enduring.  This prayer from the Episcopalian Book of Common Prayer resonates particularly well for me in these turbulent times. 

Prayer For The Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:

Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I hope that as we as a country celebrate Thanksgiving we remember that we are members of a larger human family, recognize the humanity of those we disagree with, and come together to love our neighbors (near and far).