Prayer
Bless the Lord, whose name is to be praised,
Our Father who art in heaven,
who has given us his laws,
to show us the error of our ways,
Blessed is his son, Christ the Messiah,
who redeemed us from having broken them.
Blessed are you, O Holy Spirit,
who assists us in sinning no more,
and sustains us in the way of the Lord,
grant us wisdom and understanding this day.
Amen.
Old Testament Reading - How to treat Refugees

33“Do not take advantage of foreigners in your land; do not wrong them. 34They must be treated like any other citizen; love them as yourself, for remember that you too were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Jehovah your God.
. . . . .Leviticus 19:33-34Intercession
God of life and freedom, When Abraham’s family wandered, when Mses took refuge in the desert, when the Hebrew people fled into the wilderness, when the Israelites lived in exile, you called them, and gave them words of comfort, promises of hope, and shelter under your everlasting arms. In Christ you crossed the border. You put on frail flesh, were born and lived your life always on the move in a dangerous world. From your first night you slept in a bed and a place that was not your own. You and your family fled terror and found refuge in foreign lands. You were not always sure of your next meal. We remember before you the millions of people whose lives are more like yours than we can imagine or care to acknowledge: those who are without homes, who have been uprooted from their communities and countries, who have had to flee for their lives, who have left families and friends, who live precarious lives We pray for your protection and care for those who suffer and must take refuge because of war, politics, natural disaster, status, race, gender, sexuality, and faith. We remember before you those separated from their families: children removed from their parents, siblings lost to one another, spouses and friends separated. We mourn and we are angered by the loss that marks the lives of so many: the loss of dignity, of respect, of security, of community, of family, and of stability. We pray for the people of this country and of the church, that we may not be indifferent or naïve, afraid or overwhelmed, discouraged or blind to hope and options to help or silent in the call for justice. You have made us citizens of your kingdom, open our hearts and our doors to receive the stranger, the widow and the orphan and all who are dear to you, and strengthen us to witness to the love of God for all people; and open our mouths to call for justice. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.