A Responsive Reading for Rachel's Day, Women of the ELCA

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.

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.