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Rachel's Day, established in 1994, seeks to end violence in the lives of
God's children. Women of the ELCA recognizes the first Sunday in May as
Rachel's Day and shares this responsive reading for your use.
Leader (preferably a young person): Today
we remember that children are not safe. They face violence in our streets,
in our schools, in our homes, and in our world.
Women: "When, O
God, when will you take action and rescue those who cry out or live in
need?" (Psalm 34:17, paraphrased)
Men:
"As a father has compassion for his children, so God Almighty has compassion
for those who fear and love God." (Psalm 103:13, paraphrased)
All:
Establish your justice, O God.
Leader: Most compassionate God, who
heard Rachel weeping for her lost and hurting children, we pray for all violence
to end.
All: Merciful God, who loves all children, hear us now.
Leader: Our Comforter, we remember
all children affected by violence, all who live in fear, and all who need your
justice. Grant us hope for the future, power to forgive, release, and redeem our
pasts, and boldness to act in the present on behalf of your little ones.
All: Amen! Bring us to a new beginning.
Leader: Establish your laws of peace
over this community, and throughout the world.
All: Amen! Bring us to a new beginning.
Women: Help us all to resist the myths of
glory in conflict.
Men: Help us
all to raise our children with the teachings of peace.
All: Help us all to respect life, peace, and justice. Amen! Bring us to a new
beginning.
The author, Dawn D. Hansen, is director for
programs, Women of the ELCA.
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Copyright © 2006 Women of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America. All rights reserved.
May be used by congregations and organizations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America provided each copy contains the copyright information above. |
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