God “witnessed” the affliction of his people, he “heard” their cry, and “knew well” their suffering. 

Taking a page from God’s example, we too have witnessed the affliction of our brothers and sisters in Minneapolis, in Chicago, in Los Angeles, and in multiple cities and towns across the United States. We too have heard the cry of five-year-old Liam Ramos and know well the suffering of those who mourn the deaths Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

God promised his people a “land flowing with milk and honey,” milk that makes one healthy and honey that reminds us of the sweetness of the fullness of life, of God’s justice and peace. Yet, there is nothing healthy in the chaos that this immigration enforcement has brought to these cities; there is nothing sweet in the trampling of human dignity and the traumatization of peaceful communities.

As these thoughts weigh on our conscience, let us lift our hearts in prayer: Good and gracious God, you sent Moses to restore dignity to God’s people. Summon us now to to witness, hear, and know well the suffering of our sisters and brothers in distress. Commissions us now to restore human dignity, to restore just and well order communities, and to be agents of healing and peace. 

Help us to work toward a Comprehensive Immigration Reform, one that includes the just and dignified treatment of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and one that preserves family unity: help us to preserve a just and well-ordered society. As we address urgent issues in the short term, strengthen us to take this as a moment to prepare a land that truly flows with milk and honey, a land with the rule of law, due process, one that preserves family unity, and respects the dignity for all of God’s children. We ask this in your sacred name. Amen.