SHANNON CRAIGO-SNELL

Creator God, bless those who participated in the People's Climate March, protesting the current administration's denial of climate change and changes in environmental policies. Grant these marchers stamina for the struggle, insight into effective strategies, broad influence, and deep hope. Amen.

Loving God, I lift up Bishop Karen Oliveto, a faithful servant of the church, and those within the United Methodist Church who elected and consecrated her to that position. I lift up all LGBTQ members of the UMC, especially those ordained to ministry. Make Your gracious presence keenly felt as they face discrimination and insult. Surround them with Your blessing. Let Your fierce love for each of them be known. Amen.

Loving God, I pray for the members of congress who support the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, which would ban the harmful practices known as "conversion therapy," "reparative therapy," or "ex-gay therapy." May these legislators be blessed with communities where children and teens are not abused by so-called therapists who offer nothing but pain and shame. May their districts experience shocking decreases in suicide attempts and bullying. May their own families fl

God of Mercy, bless William H. Orrick, the federal judge who ordered a temporary injunction against the current administration's efforts to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. Bless those who protect the most vulnerable among us. Bless those who reject doublespeak. Bless those who have integrity in their professions. Amen.

Merciful God, bless the Christians from all over the country who lobbied congress today under the auspices of Ecumenical Advocacy Days. Help us continue to work together for the common good. May our efforts yield good fruit through Your power. Amen.

God of Hope, bless Amal Nassar, a Palestinian farmer. She and her family grow fruit and olives on their ancestral land near Bethlehem. As they have for over a hundred years. When the occupying military forces come in the middle of the night and bulldoze olive trees, the Nassar family plants new ones. Their farm, the Tent of Nations, is also an educational center that teaches international visitors and volunteers about nonviolence, love of the land, and peacemaking. Their mo

God of Wonder, bless those who marched for science today. Around the world, in hundreds of cities, people gathered to affirm the importance of scientific inquiry and to protest the diminishment of science through budget cuts and propaganda. We are surrounded by a world of complexity and beauty. The honest desire to know more about creation is a kind of holy curiosity that gives honor to both God and humanity. God, please grant today's protestors experiences of awe and wonde

Merciful God, I spent today with people who are devoting their whole lives to justice by working for, with, and through various advocacy organizations. None of their titles sound impressive. None of them are making very much money. None of them have sturdy job security or a fabulous retirement plan. All of them amaze me. Bless those who work daily to influence policies so our common life might be more just, more compassionate, and more joyful. Give them stamina, resources, e

Redeeming God, bless the Republican officials who are joining Democrats in demanding the release of the current president's tax returns. Make them resolute in the quest for transparency and truth. Amen.

God of Justice, I give thanks for those who refuse to normalize sexism and racism. In terms of historical frequency, these discriminatory systems are the norm in the United States and many other places. Yet some brave souls declare that even though sexism and racism are accepted, they are not acceptable. Bless these courageous people. Grant them healing, for they have surely suffered wounds in their efforts for justice. Grant them comfort, for work that does not have immedia