Lent 2021 | Week 5, Enemy Making (Mar 22-26)

Weekly Prayer

Father God,

We cry out to you in repentance. For too long we have made enemies of those created in your image. For too long we have looked at other people and seen what we do not like or agree with, rather than seeing your likeness. We have deemed others unworthy of care and kindness, declared them enemies of the Church, and by association Jesus, and in doing so, have set ourselves against you. We lament the hurt this has caused others and grief it has surely caused you. Forgive us and set our hearts right. Let us see others as you see them and approach them with loving-kindness. Make us true ambassadors of reconciliation, rather than agents of separation. Let us honor you by honoring others.

In Christ we pray, Amen

People We’ve Made into Enemies of The Church and Jesus

Democrats • the LBGTQ+ Community • Anyone pro-choice • Social Justice Advocates • Refugees

March 22

Reading: Genesis 1:27

Reflection: How have we allowed the church to dismiss that all humanity is created in the image of God? What has been the result?

March 23

Reading: James 3:9

Reflection: Is there a time that you have praised God and spoken ill of any of these (or other) groups of people? How were those two things inconsistent?

March 24

Reading: Ephesians 2:10

Reflection: What would change, in us and in the Church, if we started viewing others as created in God’s image in which He has prepared good works for them?

March 25

Reading: Psalms 139:14

Reflection: When and how have you applied this verse to yourself and ignored its application to other people?

March 26

Reading: 1 John 4:20

Reflection: Many people in these groups identify as Christ followers. What has caused some in the church to disregard John’s warning? What possible consequences come with ignoring it?