Psalm 82
A psalm of Asaph.
1 God presides in the great assembly;
he renders judgment among the “gods”:
2 “How long will you[a] defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?[b]
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mere mortals;
you will fall like every other ruler.”
8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance.
Lord, we pray for this city. We pray for the law enforcement that is here as part of the surge. We pray that children are found and criminals be brought to justice. We pray that our citizens can see what are community can be when not fearful of crime. We pray that we can improve upon this reset once the extra resources depart.
Lord, we also pray for the men and women doing these jobs to represent the best of man. With great power comes great responsibility. We pray that their actions and demeanor meet the moment, and see that those who doubt their value come to acknowledge and recognize their worth.
Lord, we pray for guidance as a nation as to how we want to care for our neighbor and for those who seek to be our neighbor. Lord, may solutions be brought forth by legislators that are in the best interest of the communities we live in and respect the dignity of the individuals who want to be here. Lord, take the politics out of it and show us how to work together.
Lord, we wrestle with the questions of right and wrong when it comes to the issue of illegal immigration. The problem seems too complex, for we have relationships where citizenship is unknown and we don’t want to ask. Lord, enlarge our hearts so we can get to the root, not without holding people accountable for their actions, but in a way that lessens the gray.
Lord, Memphis is a place that needs the Holy Spirit to cover it. May we be the hands and feet for Your Kingdom.
In Christ’s name, amen.