NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 3/4

On the Friday's of Lent, Night Prayer will take its lead from different depictions of the suffering and death of Jesus. Tonight, we reflect on a mural painted by the Ukranian artist, Sergii Radkevych. The work, below, in its intended orientation, is titled R.I.P.  You can click on the image for a larger version or view its installation here. (The word in the lower right corner translates, "Rest In Peace.")

It's so easy, Lord,

for me to name and blame the people of your own time,

holding them responsible for your suffering and death

    -it's much too easy for me to do just that...

 

I forget that every time I sin, 

I target my neighbor with my anger, prejudice, and selfishness,

    with my injustice, greed and pride;

and every time I target my neighbor, Lord, I target you:  

    I target you...

 

As sure as your people in Ukraine 

    are targets for hatred's evil and power's greed

so are you, alive in your people,

    once again the target of sin... 

 

Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord, 

    and help us see our faults and sins;

help us see how we target others and target you

    each time we fail to love,

        each time we fail to forgive...

Let us see how our sins harm others, Lord

    and give us grace to seek your mercy

        and the pardon of those we've  offended...

 

As you target us with your love, Lord,

    help us set our sights on serving our neighbor

        and aim to make peace with those we've hurt...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

and watch over us as we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen. 

 

Psalm 51 by Marty Haugen

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Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned, 

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.  

 

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness; 

in your compassion blot out my offense

O wash me more and more from my guilt and my sorrow 

 and cleanse me of all of my sin.  

 

My offenses truly I know them

and my sins are always before me

Against you alone have I sinned, O Lord,

what is evil in your sight I have done 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

put your steadfast Spirit in my soul,

cast me not away from your presence, O Lord

and take not your Spirit from me

Give back to me the joy of your salvation

let your willing Spirit bear me up

and I will teach your way to the ones who have wandered

and bring them all home to your side

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