Lift Every Voice: A Lenten Journey of Justice
By Pastor T
Week 4: Days 22 –28
Day 22: Created in God’s Image
Scripture: Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Song: Contemporary Gospel – “I Am” by Kirk Franklin I am the image of the Father… I am who God says I am.
Reflection:
Justice begins with identity. Every person carries the image of God no exceptions. Injustice distorts this truth by dehumanizing others. Lent is a time to reclaim the sacred worth of every soul, including our own.
Prayer:
Creator God, help me to see Your image in everyone I meet. Break down the walls in my heart and society that deny the dignity You give freely. Amen.
Day 23: Break Every Chain
Scripture: Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Song: Contemporary Gospel – “Break Every Chain” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.
Reflection:
Bondage isn’t always physical. It comes through systems, cycles, mindsets, and fears. Jesus didn’t just come to forgive sin He came to liberate. And He’s still breaking chains today, through us.
Prayer:
Chain -breaking God, set me free from what binds me, and use me to break the chains of injustice around me. In Your name, there is power. Amen.
Day 24: Justice for the Poor
Scripture: Proverbs 14:31 (NIV)
"Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God."
Song: Hispanic Christian Song – “Mi Socorro Viene de Ti”
Spanish:
Mi socorro viene de Ti, Señor. Mi esperanza está en Ti.
English: My help comes from You, Lord. My hope is in You.
Reflection:
To care for the poor is to honor God Himself. Poverty is not shameful neglecting the poor is. Lent invites us to open our hands, loosen our grip, and share what we’ve been given.
Prayer:
God of mercy, give me eyes to see the poor not with pity, but with honor. Let me serve with compassion and dignity. Amen.
Day 25: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Scripture: Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
Song: Negro Spiritual – “Down by the Riverside” I’m gonna lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside… I ain’t gonna study war no more.
Reflection:
Peace is not passive. It’s courageous, active, and rooted in justice. Peacemakers don’t avoid conflict they confront it with truth and grace. As children of God, we’re called to make peace real.
Prayer:
Prince of Peace, let me lay down my weapons my pride, my prejudice, my silence. Make me a true peacemaker in Your name. Amen.
Day 26: Deliver Us from Evil
Scripture: Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
Song: Contemporary Gospel – “Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus)” by Donald Lawrence ft. Le’Andria Johnson Lord, deliver me, ‘cause all I seem to do is hurt me.
Reflection:
Evil is not only personal it’s systemic. Injustice is evil institutionalized. As we pray for deliverance this Lent, let us name both the internal and external forces that bind us and believe in the God who sets us free.
Prayer:
Delivering God, save me from the evil that lives in the world and the evil that tries to take root in me. This is my exodus. Amen.
Day 27: A New Commandment
Scripture: John 13:34 (NIV)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Song: Hispanic Christian Song – “Un Mandamiento Nuevo”
Spanish:
Un mandamiento nuevo os doy, Que os améis los unos a los otros.
English:
A new commandment I give to you: That you love one another.
Reflection:
Love is more than a feeling; it’s a command. Jesus calls us to love as He loved with sacrifice, patience, and truth. In a world of division, this command is revolutionary.
Prayer:
Jesus, teach me to love boldly, humbly, and deeply. Let my love echo Your own. Amen.
Day 28: Joy Comes in the Morning
Scripture: Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
"Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
Song: Negro Spiritual – “My Lord, What a Morning”
My Lord, what a morning, When the stars begin to fall.
Reflection:
Lament is part of justice. We weep over racism, violence, poverty, and pain but we do not grieve without hope. God promises joy will rise. Morning is coming.
Prayer:
God of the morning, give me courage to grieve what is broken and faith to rejoice in Your coming restoration. Amen.