Ferguson Protests
One of my Boston University classmates posted a prayer from a mutual beloved professor’s handout. It’s recorded online as a “Franciscan Blessing” but I don’t know its true origins.
In a time where young black men are being killed by people trusted with authority, where rights are taken away from protected groups, where injustice and perversion of justice reigns unchecked, I felt it was an appropriate prayer for the activists, the armchairs, and the accused today.
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May God bless you with the discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears so shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, and starvation, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
And, the Blessing of God Almighty, the [Creator], the [Redeemer], and the [Sustainer] be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
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Amen indeed. Now, to live it out.
The Rev. Jeremy Smith is minister of discipleship at First United Methodist Church in Portland, Ore. He blogs at Hacking Christianity.