O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;

you will strengthen their heart;

you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:17-18

As I came to this verse in my reading through Psalms this afternoon, it was read through different lenses. This week, as the heat and humidity has risen, so has the violence. Even our staff have been experiencing the violence of the streets. Gangs war and bullets fly. While on our knees for peace on the streets, I think of the lives affected by this violence. One of our teen workers that I've been blessed to spend time with this week, poured her heart out to me about the death her sisters boyfriend. Living here in the community has opened eyes and ears more than reading and sympathizing could ever do.

I pray that God bring peace to the neighborhood, to the streets, to my block.

LORD,

You hear the people of the community crying out against the violence. Strengthen their hearts Father. Do justice. May men of the earth may strike terror no more.