Interfaith Day of Prayer – Prayer from Yvonne Delk

Holy God, we acknowledge you to be the author, defender, and sustainer of our faith.

God of freedom, justice, liberation, and truth, we invoke your spirit and strength in this time of crisis and hope. God who has known us while we were yet in our mother’s womb, we seek your will, wisdom and way for our nation and our globe.

Lead us and guide us as we navigate our path through this global pandemic of illness, death, pain, and suffering. Keep before us your vision of a nation and world united in love, justice, truth, and peace.

Anoint us with your spirit, empowering us to move from fear to faith, from timidity to boldness, from isolation to wholeness.

Be our rock, shield, and deliverer so that we can proclaim your word in season and out of season.

Free us to speak truth to power even when we know the cost as well as the joy of being a disciple of justice and freedom.

We pray for those who are witnessing and sacrificing in places where the pain is deep and the suffering severe. Thank you for their witness of hope, love, and healing. We ask you to surround and bless them with your presence and your spirit of restoration and renewal.

Heal the soul of our nation as we work for freedom, justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being. Grant us the ability to love faithfully.

Circle us with your grace. Empower us with courage and conviction, so that we can run and not grow weary; walk, and not faint. Establish your reign of love and justice as the path to healing and new life.

In all that we do, may your name be glorified, your truth exalted, and your vision for the world realized.

Amen.

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk 

First African American woman ordained in the United Church of Christ, Former Executive Director, United Church of Christ Church in Society, Former Executive Director, Community Renewal Society.