Prayer in the Time of Evil

​Prayer in the Time of Evil
 
When evil shatters the lives
of our brothers and sisters
and smashes our illusions of inclusivity,
and safety, when the shards
splintering our nation
pierce our hearts--
grant us solace in our weeping
and the courage to dream
and speak and act for peace.
 
When violence and hatred
bombard our senses
spewing lies and hopelessness--
free us from demonizing
our enemies as we voice
sharp and needed words
that name our own complicity
while we seek justice, equality
and compassion for those
who carry the weight
of oppression and evil.
 
Let us not be undone
by the unconsciousness of fear
and hatred, nor give into
powerlessness and despair--
Let us reach for each other
and step together into
the unfolding future
holding fast to love.