Lift Every Voice: A Lenten Journey of Justice
By Pastor T
Day 1: What Does the Lord Require?
Scripture: Micah 6:8 (NIV)
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Song: Negro Spiritual – "Guide My Feet"
Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain.
Reflection:
We start this sacred journey by asking what God requires of us not what the world expects, but what God commands: justice, mercy, and humility. Lent isn’t just about giving up sweets or social media; it’s about giving ourselves to the work of justice. Let us run this race with purpose, allowing God to guide our feet into paths of righteousness.
Prayer:
Lord, guide my feet today and every day of this journey. Show me how to live justly, love deeply, and walk humbly with You. May this Lenten season awaken me to Your justice. Amen.
Day 2: God Hears the Oppressed
Scripture: Exodus 3:7 (NIV)
"The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people... I have heard them crying out... and I am concerned about their suffering.'"
Song: Hispanic Christian Song – "Alabaré"
Spanish: Alabaré, alabaré, alabaré a mi Señor.
English: I will praise, I will praise, I will praise my Lord.
Reflection:
God hears the cries of the suffering. This has always been the truth of our faith. Today, listen closely who are the people crying out around you? Are we so consumed with our own comfort that we miss the laments rising from our neighbors? Justice begins with hearing and responding.
Prayer:
Lord, open my ears to the voices of the hurting. Make me attentive and responsive to the cries You hear so clearly. Move me from hearing to helping. Amen.
Day 3: Let My People Go
Scripture: Exodus 5:1 (NIV)
"Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Let my people go.'"
Song: Negro Spiritual – "Go Down, Moses"
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt land. Tell old Pharaoh, Let my people go!
Reflection:
God still sends us to speak truth to power. Who is your Pharaoh? What systems are enslaving God's people today? We cannot ignore the structures of oppression around us. Lent invites us to become modern-day prophets, declaring freedom in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
God of liberation, give me the courage of Moses. Help me confront injustice wherever it reigns. May my voice echo Your command: Let my people go. Amen.
Day 4: Love in Action
Scripture: 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Song: Hispanic Christian Song – "Cristo, Nombre Glorioso"
Spanish:
Cristo, nombre glorioso, esperanza eterna, Príncipe de Paz.
English: Christ, glorious name, eternal hope, Prince of Peace.
Reflection:
Love is a verb. Justice is love in action. Who needs you to move beyond kind words today? Lent is our opportunity to embody the Gospel not just to say we care, but to show it in tangible ways.
Prayer:
Jesus, stir my heart into action. Let me love boldly and serve faithfully. Teach me to be Your hands and feet in a world desperate for real love. Amen.
Day 5: The Stranger Among Us
Scripture: Leviticus 19:34 (NIV)
"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself."
Song: Negro Spiritual – "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my pilgrim journey.
Reflection:
Justice has no borders. The command is clear: love the stranger. Immigrants, refugees, and outsiders are not threats to be feared they are neighbors to be welcomed. How can you extend God’s hospitality today?
Prayer:
Welcoming God, expand my heart. Teach me to embrace those I once overlooked. May my life be a reflection of the love You show to every stranger. Amen.
Day 6: Speak for the Voiceless
Scripture: Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."
Song: Hispanic Christian Song – "Somos el Pueblo de Dios" Spanish:
Somos el pueblo de Dios, llamados para anunciar las virtudes de Aquel que nos llamó. English:
We are the people of God, called to proclaim the virtues of the One who called us.
Reflection:
Silence serves injustice. Lent calls us to raise our voices for the voiceless. For the child, the widow, the refugee, the incarcerated. Use your platform, your voice, your influence for good.
Prayer:
God of justice, give me boldness to speak when others are silent. May my words bring healing, truth, and freedom. Amen.
Day 7: Restoring the Broken
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me... to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives."
Song: Negro Spiritual – "There Is a Balm in Gilead"
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
Reflection:
Justice is healing. Where there is brokenness, we are called to be part of God’s restoration. Who in your life is weary, wounded, or captive? Go to them. Bind up their wounds. Be part of the balm.
Prayer:
Healing God, use me as part of Your restoration. May my presence bring peace, and my hands bring help. Fill me with Your Spirit to heal the brokenhearted today. Amen.