Interfaith Day of Prayer – Prayer from Iva Carruthers

Holy One, God of Wonder, God of Hope, Our Mother and Our Father, “Sawubona.”  We magnify You!

With eyes to see, mind to discern, ears to listen and a heart to feel, we welcome Your Holy presence as we ponder and beseech you.

Lord, we have known You through many generations of travail and trauma, pain and suffering. Yet, we still rise and rejoice! So, in this historic moment of the COVID-19 pandemic, we bow down in recognition of Your sovereignty and re-creative power. We bow down in the spirit of remembrance and gratitude.

And, we bow down in holy anticipation of what You are already doing, exposing the underbelly of this pandemic as evidence of humankind’s abuse of Your Creation and each other. It is revealing the systemic and generational racism, greed, misuse of knowledge, and tyrannical abuse of Your people.

May You unleash the spiritual spear of divine transformation to pierce the heart of those who plot, prey, and turn a deaf ear to wise counsel. Empty them of thoughts that some of your children are more valuable than others, and some even expendable.

Lord, hear Your people’s prayers. Be a healer to all who are suffering with COVID-19; be a comforter for those dying in despair and isolation. Be a hedge of protection to those who seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with You by the witness of their lives. 

God, we ask a special petition of loving kindnesses and mercy upon those whose station is a prison bed, refugee camp, nursing home, and homeless shelter; all who are victims of unjust legal systems and uncompassionate public policy.

Lord, “You have given us the inheritance of the people that are afraid of your name.” Our gaze anticipates Your Holy rainbow, and miracles of new beginnings. Fortify us, oh Lord, for it is by faith and in the matchless name of Your son, Jesus, I pray.

Rev. Dr. Iva E. Carruthers

General Secretary, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., Chicago; educator and social advocate