written for the Reconciling Ministries Network
One: As we enter Holy Week, we remember the holy work of Jesus in order to take up that work in our own lives and for our own time.
Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well.
One: We remember that Jesus did not avoid the risks of traveling to Jerusalem but took them on bravely. Grant us strength to take on the risks of working against racism as white people in boldness and compassion.
Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well.
One: We remember that Jesus did not flee from discomfort and pain but faced them directly in humility and faith. Grant us resilience to engage with our discomfort as white people in a racist society, that we may bring our hands, hearts, minds, and spirits to the work of justice, healing, and reparations.
Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well.
One: We remember that Jesus put his body on the line, aware of the cost of sharing your good news. Grant us courage to put our bodies on the line in support of individuals and communities that are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour.
Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well.
One: We remember that Jesus experienced and expressed vulnerability and sorrow in his last hours. Grant us freedom to be vulnerable in our work against racism without being defensive, resentful, or fragile.
Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well.
One: We remember that Jesus surrendered his privilege, his power, even his life, as the prophets before him had surrendered theirs. Grant us faith to lay down our privilege and our power and in so doing, to co-create Beloved Community. Grant us the capacity to let go of those things that keep us from working effectively against racism, to die to our fears and our rage so that we might live in love and joy.
Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well.
All: In these ways, may we take up the holy work of Jesus in our own lives and for our own time.
Read more about Amanda Udis-Kessler at this link.
