It isn’t a very good Friday morning, is it? My heart is breaking for our Twin Cities this morning. This is so sad for our state. The violence, fires and looting are such poor examples of humanity in the face of an injustice. Businesses should not be the targets of anger and injustice. Peaceful protests and demonstrations are one thing, but violence does not solve any problems and it just makes the protestors look bad. I understand their rage, but I do not understand their actions. God help us all.


I think we will leave the book of James for this morning and dwell in our grief with a Psalm.


Psalm 140 (NRSV)



Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader. A Psalm of David.


1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers;

protect me from those who are violent,

2 who plan evil things in their minds

and stir up wars continually.

3 They make their tongue sharp as a snake’s,

and under their lips is the venom of vipers.

4 Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;

protect me from the violent

who have planned my downfall.

5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,

and with cords they have spread a net,

along the road they have set snares for me.

6 I say to the Lord, “You are my God;

give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.”

7 O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;

do not further their evil plot.

9 Those who surround me lift up their heads;

let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10 Let burning coals fall on them!

Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!

11 Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;

let evil speedily hunt down the violent!

12 I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy,

and executes justice for the poor.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;

the upright shall live in your presence.


Gracious God, our refuge and our strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all our conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual concern and respect. Uphold us with your love, Lord, and give us the strength we need. Keep our law enforcers, firefighters and National Guard safe in this time of great turbulence. Help us amid the confusion and negative energy that threatens to envelop us. Heal the hurt, console the bereaved, protect the innocent and the helpless, and deliver us all. We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior. Amen.


Blessings on your day,

Pastor Sue