Ephesians 2:13-14
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations.”
Where have we gone astray? Walls of hostility still exist and barriers of racism, sexism, classism, and other -isms of our time still deny people access to the things that give life. Ibram X. Kendi, author of How To Be an Antiracist, writes, ” The heartbeat of antiracism is confession.” Confession is required to dismantle and break down all of the walls that continue to separate us. But true confession isn’t easy. It only comes through honest self-reflection. And it must be ongoing because the foundations of our walls have been laid deep in our minds and our hearts. Take a moment to consider the walls you create or maintain and get ready to make your confession before God. .
Prayer: Merciful God, as we enter this Lenten season, we are grateful for the way that you chose to bring unity and peace to people—through the gift of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who broke down longstanding walls of prejudice and hostility between Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free. As good as this news is, we confess that we continue to divide people into groups of “us” and “them,” excluding those who are different from us and denying their human dignity. Forgive us when we create barriers rather than tear them down. Forgive us for pretending as if the walls do not exist. Forgive me for building and maintaining the wall that excludes __________ from your gracious welcome.
Holy Spirit, break the walls within me and open my heart to those on the other side. Bind us together in love and peace, forming us into a witnessing, welcoming and forgiving community of grace where no walls of exclusion and division can survive. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Tongue on Fire 