As Trump tries to pivot to the G.O.P.’s agenda, Rev. Barber’s May prayer remains right on time.
O God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on our way, we pray today that you would listen to your children praying.
Parents whose babies have pre-existing conditions are praying God, “Save us from the unmerciful and un-American Health Care Act!”
Pregnant women who know that they already can’t afford to give birth are crying, “Save us from the unmerciful and un-American Health Care Act!”
24 million Americas who have insurance today but know they could lose it next year are praying, “Save us from the unmerciful and un-American Health Care Act!”
Thousands who will die next year, not because you’re calling them home but because they lose coverage are praying, “Save us from the unmerciful and un-American Health Care Act!”
On this National Day of Prayer, when those who thanked You for the election of Donald Trump were invited to pray in the Rose Garden, we pray in America’s hospitals and hospices, in our sanctuaries and on our streets. We ask, O God, that your would listen to the cries of your children and act quickly to bring down the mighty from their thrones.
Do not destroy them, Lord. In your mercy, bring them down to where we are so that we might imagine together a society where Your creation and its fruit are gifts to be shared in community.
Give us eyes to see how the black and brown child matter as much as the white child, the poor child as much as the rich, the gay child as much as the straight.
Teach us true religious liberty, which does not seek a license to discriminate but trusts human freedom as much as You do, Precious Lord.
Save us, God, from those who say so much about what You’ve said so little, and so little about what You’ve said so much. And give us strength to stand firm against all injustice, especially that which is committed in Your Name.
Save us from the unmerciful and un-American Health Care Act!
Amen.