Prayer to Abolish the Death Penalty

Gracious God, Source of all Life,
You bestow your life and love on each of us
and call us to be a just and merciful people.
Guide our efforts to work for justice in our legal system.
Strengthen the resolve we need to abolish the death penalty
and continue the work for more just laws that respect the life and dignity of every person.

We pray to you, God of Justice and Mercy,
For justice that restores right relationships
while we work to address the root causes of violence.

Inspire our collective efforts to enact laws that safeguard the human rights of all:
that honor the victims,
that protect the community,
that hold the perpetrators accountable,
that promote restorative justice not vengeance.

God our Redeemer, stir our minds and hearts
to act today to speak out against the death penalty
and to unite in solidarity with others who strive to defend and uphold the sanctity of all life.
We ask this Source of All Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit. Amen.

-by Bill Griffin, CFX & Katherine Feely, SND
www.educationforjustice.org