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Intercession

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.