Project IRENE: Comprehensive Immigration Reform – Election Evening Reflection
For years and years we have been advocating for immigration reform at the Federal level. We are still waiting. Multitudes have advocated and achieved immigration reforms at other levels of government, but immigration reform at the Federal level is not yet a reality. As we await results of this year’s election, let us join our hearts and pray for the imminent birth of comprehensive immigration reform at the Federal level.
Background
Election night is a momentous night in our country. Elections at the national, state, and local levels are being decided. Perhaps we are breathing a sigh of relief that the campaign commercials will be over. Perhaps we are very concerned about a specific candidate that we know personally and/or with whom we are family. Regardless of our reaction to the results of these elections, let us all take this opportunity to join together in prayer for comprehensive immigration reform at the Federal level.
Opening Prayer
Creating and compassionate God, we remember generations of immigrants who have come to the United States and joined our native American sisters and brothers already here and other immigrants. We remember especially the stories of our own relatives, their tears of sorrow and of joy. We remember the past which has brought us to this day while we rejoice in our hope for comprehensive immigration reform. We welcome a future overflowing with justice-permeated possibilities for future generations as well as present generations. May we be beacons of hope for all. Amen.
Response: May hope strengthen us.
May we not allow fear to block the beauty and the joy, the richness and the strength of inclusion…
May we not use the excuse of complexities to stop our efforts for humane immigration reform…
May xenophobia end so that reconciliation and peace may flourish…
May extreme systemic economic poverty, which forces many to leave behind family members, friends, homes, and homeland, be eradicated…
May the profound sadness and anguish etched on the faces of many immigrants move us to deeper compassion and action for justice…
May all have a chance to live without fear of deportation of loved ones and self…
May we understand that a nation’s economy exists for the people, not the people for the economy…
May we be strong advocates for comprehensive immigration reform at the Federal level…
May hope overflow in our hearts…
Closing Prayer
Creating and Compassionate God, we ask abundant blessings of understanding the basic human need for justice for immigrants among all elected officials at the Federal level. We continue our efforts, emboldened by our hope for comprehensive immigration reform at this level. May we be so persistent in our advocacy for this reform that our Federal elected officials will soon bring to birth comprehensive immigration reform. Amen. Amen. Amen.