Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 24, 2015
Do Justice? Help Me Raise Up the Lowly!
Last day at the New Wilmington Mission Conference—such an amazing, energizing experience! God was in so many aspects of this conference. So, so many. I saw the Lord show up in such unexpected ways, too.
As I turned to the modern psalm today, I was touched. It moved me. I wanted to highlight so many parts of this chapter from Praying the New Testament as Psalms.
I finally settled on two: psalm verses adapted from James 2 and Luke 1. First, “Deepen in me my love for my neighbor/as I carry out the works that accompany faith.” [1] This verse is so much in keeping with one of the major themes of the letter of James. Just as I love and have faith in God, my service is an expression of that deep love and gratitude for my salvation. My good works come out of my faith—are a natural expression of my love for God and neighbor.
Second, “Let me see the injustice of our world and join You in raising up the lowly.” [2] This verse adapted from the Magnificat of Luke 1 hits me right in the gut. My family knows that I can strike up a conversation with most anyone, at a moment’s notice. And, often, people start right in telling me their problems. I am a chaplain and pastoral care person, at heart. I can come alongside of people and walk with them through their difficulties.
Another side of this natural openness that is part and parcel of _me_ is that social justice component. God, give me such an openness to You. Please, God, help me raise Your name as I raise up the lowly. Thank You, God.
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[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 182.
[2] Ibid, 183.
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