Let our cry be the cry of the widow (David Morrison)

Lord, we see the continual oppression of the world system--

It’s the unjust judge who only lives for himself

And so many times, we are him.

Have mercy on us, and transform us. 

Lord, we see the impossibilities that seem to never change in our lives--

It’s the desperate widow uncovered and undesired 

And so many times, we are her. 

Have mercy on us, and hear our cry.

Let our cry be the cry of the widow 

Let our cry be the cry of the fatherless 

Let our cry be the cry of the oppressed: 

The cry of the child… 

…of the impoverished 

…and the displaced 

Lord, plant our prayers in that secret place– 

In the drop of water that falls and freezes into the fissure of the world’s unshakable boulders—let the slow splitting begin! 

In the wind that relentlessly throws itself on the unmovable granite canyon walls of empire—let the carving of hollows begin! 

In the ocean that rakes the earth, forever devouring and returning the sands of souls—laying them all down upon your compassion again. 

So let it be… 

--David Morrison,
A Prayer Out of Poverty

Image source: https://www.audleytravel.com/us/usa/places-to-go/utah/zion-national-park 
Poem source