I realize that it has been over a week since my last post. Time just seems to be flying by. Before we know it, Christmas will be here, and then once the New Year comes, my graduation from seminary will not be far behind! In fact, graduation is only 241 calendar days away … not that I am counting or anything!

This week in my Missions class we discussed Liberation Theology. For those who are not familiar with this, it is a theology that grew out of Latin America in the late 60s and early 70s. It is a theology of the people and its premise is based on God’s preferential option for the poor. It is not a “heady” theology, but one that is practiced in daily living. When I was in El Salvador in January, I saw this theology lived out among the Christian base communities there.

In my Liturgical Prayer class, we were asked to write a collect (a form of prayer) every day this week. The readings in my mission class prompted me to write two prayers related to Liberation Theology, which I share with you now.

Liberating God,

    who called Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage and slavery in Egypt,

    and who sent Jesus Christ to proclaim release to the captives,

        and recovery of sight to the blind:

    release those bound by oppressive social and political systems

        and free us from our fears,

    that we may, by your strength, work for justice for the whole or your creation

        until your reign is realized;

    through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit,

        lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Creating God of water and land,

    whose intention was that there be enough resources for all of the earth’s inhabitants:

    enable us to care for these gifts with respect and reverence,

    that we might not hoard them, but work for justice

        that all might have access to these basic needs;

    through Christ our Lord and Liberator. Amen.

Until next time, peace …