Voices Found: Voices of Freedom, Elizabeth, Amelia, Sojourner, July 20, VF 90

 

PRAYER (contemporary language):   
   O God, whose Spirit guides us into all truth and makes us free: Strengthen and sustain us as you did your servants Elizabeth, Amelia, and Sojourner. Give us vision and courage to stand against oppression and injustice and all that works against the glorious liberty to which you call all your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect from the daily Lectionary)
 

Voices Found #90, Verse 1

God of freedom


God of freedom, God of justice,

you whose love is strong as death,

you who saw the dark of prison,

you who knew the price of faith--

touch our world of sad oppression

with your spirit's healing breath.


Words: Shirley Erena Murray, (1931-2020)

Music: Libertad , Robert A.M. Ross


Murray wrote "God of Freedom"  for the Amnesty International Campaign against Torture in 1980.  Today, it is  especially appropriate as we remember  Elizabeth, Amelia, and Sojourner Truth, pioneer advocates   for justice and freedom.   The hymn is  appropriate for any service honoring victims of torture, terror, and injustice, as well as all who have fought for freedom. It might even be used to honor military veterans.

Robert A.M. Ross wrote the somewhat dark music to inspire courage in future advocates for the daunting task of pursuing justice, and to remind us that the task is is far from simple.  Ross is a composer and choral director in the Philadelphia area, serving at churches and synagogues.  He was music director for the Lady Chapel Singers, the performing arm of the Voices Found project.   


For the score and more information please see:

https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/voicesfound2

 The Leader's Guide to Voices Found





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