A Litany of Resistance

O Holy Spirit, who at the beginning of creation moved over the face of the waters,

Create us anew with your life-giving power.
O Holy Spirit, who inspired the prophets of old to speak boldly to a stiff-necked generation
Empower us to speak prophetically in our day.
O Holy Spirit, who came as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus,
Strengthen us as the Baptized in our life in the world.
O Holy Spirit, who led Jesus into the wilderness and sustained him during his 40 days of temptation,
Help us to resist the will to power as we follow Christ’s humble path.
O Holy Spirit, who on the day of Pentecost put fire into the lives of the early disciples,
Set us aflame to reveal the Risen Christ in our world.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us.
We have been anointed to proclaim good news to the poor.
The Spirit of the Lord is within us.
We have been sent to proclaim freedom for the imprisoned.
The Spirit of the Lord is among us.
We have been sent to proclaim recovery of sight for the blind.
The Spirit of the Lord is before us.
We have been sent to set the oppressed free.
The Spirit of the Lord is behind us.
For we have been sent to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Spirit of God, empower us.
As we struggle against powers of oppression.
Spirit of God, strengthen us.
As we resist the powers of domination.
Spirit of God, dwell among us.
As we seek wholeness in our lives and in our communities.
Spirit of God, guide us.
As we subvert systems of death.
Spirit of God, send us.
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Breathe into us, Spirit of God
Breathe into our mouths
that we might proclaim the Good News
Breathe into our eyes
that we might see your reign in our midst
Breathe onto our hands
so we can build good things,
and tear down things that destroy
Breathe onto our feet
that we might go wherever you send us
Breathe into our hearts so that all of our seeing and speaking and coming and going will be done in love. Amen.