Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr: National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS

Dear God –

You are the giver of life.  You are a God of love and you are a God of mercy. Because you are who you are, we come to you in prayer today as Intercessors. We come asking for your grace, your mercy and your peace in  the lives of the millions of your children who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

We pray for them as individuals made in your image; and we pray for their families and their caregivers, dear God.  We live (in the USA) in a country that has made interminable war a priority while ignoring the sick, the suffering and those who are most in need of our help.

In our country we mouth words about democracy and freedom as we send our military overseas in harm’s way; but we show little or no compassion for the persons who live with HIV/AIDS right here in our own families, in our communities and even in our churches and synagogues!  Forgive us, O God. Open our eyes and melt our cold, militaristic hearts so that we may “do justice, love mercy” and begin to truly “walk humbly” where you walk.

Persons facing life’s greatest mystery need to feel your Presence, O God.  Draw close to them during this national week of Prayer and reassure them of your promises.

Though the cold, insensitive branches of your “church” may turn their backs on them, remind them that the Lord of the Church will never leave them nor forsake them!  Remind them that your love is stronger than any prejudice, any “judgmental attitude” and any  doctrinal foolishness they may encounter.  Your love is eternal and we know that every human made in your image is precious in your sight and loved by you.

Show them — through us! — that you are with them, that you stand with them, you laugh with them, you weep with them and you go through every treatment with them.  May they see in us your compassion and your care.  May we be “living sermons” which proclaim your undying and unfailing love and may we bring hope that is indestructible as they face each day with confidence that they (we and they) “can do all things through Christ” who strengthens us.

In the name of the One who became flesh to dwell among us….

Amen

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. is Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ. He is a man of faith, a homiletic genius, a theological scholar and a pastor’s pastor. Join him Wednesday, March 27th at Word Assembly (Oakland) for Holy Week Service.