How Long, O God

How long, O God.
How long.
For a time when people can worship freely
   without fear;
for a time when people can go to school
   without fear;
for a time when people can work
   without fear;
for a time when people can gather together
   without fear;
for a time when people can serve one another
   without fear;
for a time when people can drive their cars
   without fear;
for a time when people can simply live
   without fear;
we pray.
May our prayers be more than mere words.
May our prayers be evidenced
   in our commitment to one another,
   in the work of our hands,
   in the sweat of our brow,
   in the blisters on our feet,
   in our deepest love for one another -
      no matter when,
      no matter where,
      no matter what,
      no matter who.
May this be the time.
May today be the day.
Amen