Last Tuesday, my cross-cultural group led the chapel service for the MTSO community.  I wrote the following litany for that service.  Although many have seen it and commented on it on my facebook page, I post it here for those friends who are not on facebook.  It also serves as a constant reminder to remember and pray for the people of El Salvador.

O God who knows no borders or boundaries, who created the universe and all its inhabitants and whose image is borne in the Salvadoran people, today we remember our sisters and brothers who have been subjected to tyranny and oppression. In solidarity we pray for the families of those massacred and other victims of violence in El Salvador and throughout the world that their deaths may be a call for peace and reconciliation.

Lord, have mercy. Hear our prayer.

Señor, ten piedad. Escucha nuestra oración.

Today we remember that the whole of your creation – land and water – is holy because it was created by you. Your intention, O God, was that we care for these resources with respect and reverence. In solidarity we pray for those who do not have access to clean water and vow to work for justice until all receive this basic need.

Lord, have mercy. Hear our prayer.

Señor, ten piedad. Escucha nuestra oración.

Today we remember your son, Jesus Christ, who brought good news to the poor, proclaimed release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free.  In solidarity we plead for those who are impoverished and those bound by oppressive social and political systems, and pray that your reign may soon be realized.

Lord, have mercy. Hear our prayer.

Señor, ten piedad. Escucha nuestra oración.

Today we remember the stories of the people of El Salvador – the stories of anguish and lament and the stories of hope and healing. In solidarity we carry those stories with us and pray that we never forget to rely on your transforming power to create hope and new life.

Lord, have mercy. Hear our prayer.

Señor, ten piedad. Escucha nuestra oración.