A Prayer for Ferguson

Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, 

Please make your presence known in Ferguson.  In some way, reveal yourself, that they may know what true love, equality and justice is.  It it not found in color, race, crime, or any innocent or guilty verdict found in our flawed court system. It is found at the cross, through the blood of Jesus. 

Lord, we know that the events that played out to bring about this controversy and create such friction and devastation are a direct result of sin.  Regardless of what the true story is, the disunity in that community is the fault of a larger number of people than any will admit too.  The believers in this community must take a stand in prayer and peaceful actions. 

We who truly understand the travesty of injustice that was enacted against your Son, on our behalf, do not allow injustice of any kind to trump the love that you call us to display.  

We understand that we all deserve a guilty verdict in your eyes.  We understand that we are all condemned to a spiritual death sentence because of our rebellion against you, the Holy Creator of the universe.

We understand that unless the grace of God is poured out on us and our spiritual eyes are opened to believe in the one who brought the only true justice that can be had, we will suffer the consequences of our unbelief.  

Jesus Christ lived the perfect life that we could never live and died the death that we all deserve, taking upon himself all of the wrath that the Father has toward sin, for those that will put their trust in Him.

He conquered sin and death so that we don't have to be subject to it's power and; we don't have to walk in hate and malice, acting with rage toward each other.

He died so that the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control could become obvious proof of the salvation that is ours through our belief in his life, burial, and resurrection.  

He died and rose again so that forgiveness would be made available.  Not only that it would be made available to us from the Father, but that we would be able to forgive those whom offend us....No matter the offense.

This is not always easy, but if we truly understand the great love by which God gave us His Son, we will not begrudge showing that same love to others.

Matthew 6:9-13

Father, please cause your peace to reign and your glory to be made manifestly clear in Ferguson and throughout this country.  Use this tragedy to draw that community and this country to you.  

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.