Reflection 1 – Courageous Advocacy
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-When you see the conflict and suffering in the world, how do you feel? Why?
In Proverbs chapter 31, verses 8-9 we read, ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’
-It might often seem quite removed from us, but God reminds us that this is OUR responsibility!
-How can we speak up for people and defend rights today?
Prayer 1
Let us pray,
Lord God,
You want us to come together as one family in you. Fill our hearts with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all. Help us secure equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
May there be an end to division, strife and war.
And help us build a society founded on love and peace. Amen.
Reflection 2 – Courageous Advocacy
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-Consider how you would like to be treated…
-Why is it important how we treat each other at St Michael’s?
In Zechariah chapter 7 verses 9-10 we hear, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”’
-Why do you think Justice is mentioned here first?
-How can we live out each aspect of these verses at school?
Prayer 2
Let us pray,
Father God, raise up leaders in every land dedicated to your standards of order, equity, and justice. Give us the
strength and courage to act with mercy for all those today who are suffering injustice. Sharpen our minds to defeat prejudice and help us work to build a just, godly society. Help us understand the problems of all in need of assistance. May we always hunger and thirst for justice. Amen.
Reflection 3 – Courageous Advocacy
Good morning, may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-What are some of the things that can divide or separate people?
-How many of those differences really matter? Why?
In the book of Romans, chapter 12, verses 15-18 Paul says that we should, ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’.
We’re all different, and we are all guilty of judging people; perhaps by hair colour, background, accent, the way they vote, their friends, religion and a whole lot more.
BUT… The Bible is clear that we should all be working hard to live in harmony and peace with each other. We can make a difference in our world, but that starts with us. As our verse reminds us, we mustn’t be separating people out because of differences, or feeling better than others; but instead we should be working to live peacefully together, celebrating our differences.
Think of a person you struggle to get on with,or have judged recently (or both!).
-Make a list of things about that person you are thankful for.
Perhaps also pray, thanking God for that person and the aspects of them you are thankful for, and try to add something to the list each day.
Prayer 3
Let us pray,
Loving God,
Help us find paths to peace in conflict.
Help us first to root out prejudice from our own lives, and give us eyes to see the good in all people. Then equip us to be courageous advocates, working to end conflict, suffering and pain; and give us the strength, determination and will power to play our part. Amen.