Justice (noun) fairness, authority exercised in the maintenance of right, appreciate properly, equity, even-handedness, impartiality, integrity.
In most modern dictionaries ‘justice’ will be defined in this way. But the all too apparent injustice in the world shouts loudly every time we switch on our televisions or computers and lies heavy on our hearts. There are the large global issues and also ‘smaller’ events that affect us personally which we experience in daily life at work, at home and in our relationships. In the complex realm of seeking justice Christians look to Jesus, our Saviour, who mends broken lives and who says to us, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16: 33).
Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
The one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
And he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out;
No-one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
And a smouldering wick he will not snuff out,
Till he leads justice to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.
(Matt 12: 18-21)
As we turn to our Father God in prayer let’s draw strength and courage believing that “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” (Ps 89: 14).
Prayer:
Father God, we call upon your name and pray for justice to prevail and that you would indeed “proclaim justice to the nations”.
We remember all the thousands of people in their need and who are suffering as they are caught up in the devastation of war across the world. We also pray for the ones who make and orchestrate war. We think particularly of the people of Israel, Gaza and Ukraine.
We lift to you all who suffer as a result of wrongful decisions and unjust regimes across the world.
Closer to home, please be with those who now live in hardship because of a miscarriage of justice. We pray for people who suffer through prejudice and harsh treatment. We remember the misunderstood, the marginalised, those who suffer domestic violence and children who are abused and neglected.
We pray for justice and fair treatment for refugees and asylum seekers, for the homeless, and families who are forced to live in poverty.
We remember friends and loved ones who have been overlooked, side-lined or unfairly dismissed in their places of work.
We lift to you those, who through no fault of their own, have been rejected, unloved, ignored or abandoned.
And Lord we pray for our own pain caused by issues of injustice in our own lives and in all these situations we ask for healing, restoration and for justice to prevail.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Ruth Leeming
Comments