The following originally appeared as part of "Grief over Injustice, Hope for Wholeness—Good Friday: The Greatest Injustice."
Prayer of Lament
Christ identified completely with us in suffering, even unto death. He is our Savior-Intercessor who sympathizes with our weakness. What better time than Good Friday to practice the spiritual discipline of lament, to express solidarity with those who are suffering, including Jesus himself? On Good Friday, we lament with Jesus.
Song
“How Long, O Lord, How Long” Steumpfle
[Congregation sings st. 1, 2]
We pray for the hungry around the world,
for all those who don’t know where their next meal will come from,
for those who long to nourish their children with good things,
and for those whose crops have failed yet again.
We pray for those in our own community struggling with food insecurity.
Grant wisdom and guidance to those who minister among the hungry.
[Congregation sings st. 3]
We pray for those experiencing homelessness in our community,
and for those facing the devastating effect of rising housing costs.
We pray for organizations and individuals who minister among them.
[Congregation sings st. 5]
We pray for victims of prejudice,
for those facing oppression because of gender, race, or class.
Help us to see you, Lord, in the people we encounter
and to love others as you love us.
