Prayer for Asylum Seekers at the US Border

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." (Matthew 25)

Loving God, For the families, children, men, women at our doorstep, aching with need for shelter, safety, a future, we cry out to you.

For a government system unprepared to respond to this need, we cry out to you.

For powerful people unwilling to consider alternative solutions, we cry out to you.

For elected leaders struggling to find common ground and lasting solutions, we cry out to you.

For counselors, pastors, social workers, doctors, lawyers — exhausted and burdened by the numbers, the stories, the pain — we cry out to you.

For your church — including those in this community — called to reach out, welcome, and love, we cry out to you.

May we find energy to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, who knew so well what it meant to be vulnerable.

May we find courage to stand against hateful ideas, fearful attitudes, protectionist policies with our voices, our votes, our vigilance.

May we be motivated by love, and not by fear. May our leaders be filled with wisdom and a spirit of compassion.

Nothing is impossible for you. Because of this, may we be filled with hope.

Amen.