Prayer inspired by Psalm 22
Heavenly Father,
We come to you on this day knowing that you are the Holy One.
We come to you united in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are on death row.
We come to you in solidarity to plead for their families who live in pain and sorrow.
We come to you to pray for the families of the victims so they can find healing and peace.
You have formed each one of us in your image and likeness.
You have drawn us forth from the womb and we find safety in your loving care.
Do not abandon our brothers and sisters on death row in the hour of their need.
While trouble is near, hear them when they cry out for justice and forgiveness.
Lord Jesus, you are no stranger to the feeling of isolation and dehumanization.
You know better than anyone what it means to be condemned and abandoned by society.
Remember our brothers and sisters in these difficult times; give them strength and consolation.
While trouble is near, let them find peace, let them find your way, let them find the light.
May your Holy Spirit help us develop a character of compassion that values all human life.
May your Holy Spirit help us encounter our brothers and sisters who are on death row.
May we come to know their personal stories and allow their testimonies to transform us.
May we have the courage to carry with them the cross of our society’s injustices.
Even though our unjust laws and systems have spoken against them in the dust of death.
‘But you, Lord, do not stay far off; be their strength and come quickly to their consolation.’
While trouble is near, let them find peace, let them find your way, let them find your light.
Amen.
While Trouble is Near, Give Them Strength and Consolation