Asylum seekers move us to pray

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 7 July 2013.

As the federal election looms, and the boats carrying asylum seekers continue to come, here’s a prayer for all Australians:

Almighty God, forgive us when we fail to recognise the right of the other person to be different, and to defend the vulnerable and voiceless, and to offer hospitality to those fleeing danger and persecution.

Give us eyes to see the plight of our fellow human beings.  Give us ears to hear their cries and their stories, to learn their names.  Give us lips to encourage them, and speak for them, and change hard hearts.  Give us hands and feet to love them, welcome them, care for them, and restore their honour as Jesus would.

Give us a new imagination for what our nation and our world should be, and instil in all of us the courage, hope and wisdom we need to get from here to there.  Amen.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.