.injustice beyond comprehension.

Tonight, at 11:08pm EST, Troy Davis, an innocent death row inmate was murdered by the state of Georgia after 20+ years on death row. Below is the liturgy I wrote for our impromptu vigil on campus. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (MLK Jr.)

-------------------------------------------

One:: We gather in this space together this afternoon to pause and to recognize the execution of Troy Davis. We gather here at PSR knowing that we are not alone. We are praying and keeping silence with millions of people all over the world who acknowledge the injustice that is being done in these next moments. God have mercy.

Many:: Hear our prayer

One:: For these long 22 years since his sentence, people of all ages, races, and religions filled with passion and conviction over the case of Troy Davis have been united, working for justice and peace all around the country. While we give thanks for this unity, we recognize that this is a case that has done harm. God have mercy.

Many:: Hear our prayer

One:: We come together to bear witness that whenever a life is taken, humanity suffers. The death of Mark MacPhail is a tragedy, but it does not legitimate the murder of another. God, help us to work towards a day when all nations would cease taking the lives of their citizens in retribution for criminal action. God have mercy.

Many:: Hear our prayer

One: Holy one, we ask that your Spirit moves through the state government of Georgia and ask that you give courage to those on the Board of Pardons and Paroles that they would be filled with compassion and love. God have mercy.

Many :: Hear our prayer

One:: In the words of Troy Davis, “They can take my body but not my spirit, because I have given my spirit to God.” Holy one, we ask that you take Troy in peace and without pain. May his spirit live on in those whose lives are now, more than ever, committed to the cause of justice, wherever it may be needed. God have mercy.

Many : Hear our prayer

Let us pray…

Divine being of all possibility, we pray today for openings through which justice and peace can walk arm in arm. How often people seem caught in webs of fear and denial, hatred and arrogance. Too many of those who would speak boldly discover their voices muffled by self-interest.  Holy one, make us instruments of your peace. Give those of us with voices strength and courage to stand in the face of oppression and violence that we may speak up for the voiceless.

                  We pray today for the state government of Georgia and the Savannah Police Department that they might come to know Your love and compassion.  May we be examples for future generations of public love… of visible justice. Help us to be bold people full of life in the face of certain death.  Set alight your world so that it may tremble with hope instead of fear.

                  We pray also for the MacPhail family who lost a family member in this tragedy and we ask that your peace which passes all understanding would comfort his family in this time of grief and pain. While we cannot fathom the depth of their anger and sorrow, we lift them up in prayer and ask that your healing powers continue to work in their hearts.

Hear now our prayers both spoken and those on our hearts….
……………………………………………

Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

All these things we pray in all your many names… amen.

(Prayer adapted from “the well is deep” by Virginia Rickeman; and Amnesty International)