Here’s a prayer litany inspired by Deuteronomy 10:19: “You shall also love the stranger, for you
were strangers in the land of Egypt.” It was adapted from Interfaith Worker Justice’s
Immigration Litany.
Welcoming the Stranger
(inspired by Deuteronomy 10:19)
God, help us welcome those who have come to dwell among us.
For all those who have come fleeing oppression and persecution —
black, white, brown and yellow:
God, help us welcome
those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come fleeing hardship and hunger:
God, help us welcome
those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come to join loved ones already here:
God, help us welcome
those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come seeking freedom and opportunity:
God, help us welcome
those who have come to dwell among us.
Let us remember the words of Christ, who said
“I was hungry and you gave me
food,
I was thirsty and you gave me a
drink,
I was a stranger and you
welcomed me.”
When, Lord, were you
a stranger that we welcomed among us?
“Truly, as you did it to one of
the least of these, you did it to me”
When we welcomed the
stranger,
we welcomed you,
Christ Jesus, in our midst!
Loving God, you call us to create hospitable communities.
Help us to overcome any fear and anxiety we may have of those
who come from other lands to live among us.
Give us the courage and wisdom
to create compassionate and just immigration policies.
Grant that we may all live together in peace and love. Amen.
~ Adapted from Interfaith Worker Justice, “Immigration Litany,” www.iwj.org/pdf/imm-litany.pdf) Posted on Acts of Faith. http://actsoffaith.org/resources/downloads/Year_A/09%20Immigration_final.pdf.
