Opening Prayers How long, O God, until things are made right? How long before you act? We lament the brokenness in the world. We lament how hard it is to discern your actions, to see the Spirit’s presence. As we come to worship, grant us your table-flipping, mountain-hurling convictions, and may we recognize your presence in your house of worship this morning. Amen. Prayers of the People God of power, you entered Jerusalem on a colt and with an army of peasants. You entered the temple, became angry and raised your voice, and overturned the tables of injustice. Tear down the injustices in our churches, the university and our workplaces. Remove those who have abused their power, reveal racism and ableism. Let exploitation and thievery wither so that restitution may grow in its place. May your house once again be a place of prayer for all peoples. May the university and workplaces be spaces where all may flourish. [Prayers for the church and the university] God of power, you have promised that if we say to a mountain ‘Lift up and go into the sea,’ with hearts that believe and do not doubt, then it will be done. But, O God, we doubt. Our world is filled with mountains of oppression, valleys of polarization we cannot cross. We are weighed down by heavy burdens placed on ourselves and one another. What sea can hold these mountains? How do we not drown from our efforts? Help us to imagine a different world, a world where rulers humble themselves and fight for the poor and oppressed. Help us imagine a world where we tear down mountains together and where all creation flourishes. We lift up ourselves and those close to us. Help us to trust in you. Help us to believe your promises. [Prayers for ourselves and those close to us] God of power, we believe you hear us. May we trust in you. As we wait for your answer, give us courage as we fight for justice, give us wisdom to rest in your presence, and fill us with hope. Amen. Text borrowed partially from WBB service in March 2022 and January 2017.