Litany for the Slandered

Hymn Information

First Line: Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me
Topic: Poverty and Oppression · Elements of Worship: Confession

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Text Copyright

Public Domain

Reprint/Projection Information

You have permission to use this in worship. For more information, see this page on Scripture Versions.

Scripture References

Psalm 35
·
James 3:9-10

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Our songs and prayers include honesty before God in which we express the pain we experience over our own sins and failures, the difficulties in both our lives and others’ lives, and our laments at the suffering and brokenness that marks our world and our lives. We have assurance, says Belgic Confession, Article 26, that Christ, our intercessor, will hear us, “since he suffered, being tempted, he is also able to help those who are tempted.”

We are encouraged to approach the throne with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Belgic Confession, Article 26, based on Hebrews 4). “We grieve that the church…has become a broken communion in a broken world” (Our World Belongs to God, paragraph 40).

We also “lament that our abuse of creation has brought lasting damage to the world we have been given...” (Our World Belongs to God, paragraph 51). And we cry to God for those who suffer in our world, knowing “that God…is in a special way the God of the destitute, the poor and the wronged...” (Belhar Confession, Section 4).

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Litany for the Slandered

Additional Prayers

The battle is yours, O Lord.

We are not strong enough to win against personal enemies or cosmic powers.

Help us to put all our trust in the mighty Savior and victorious King, our Lord Jesus,

in whose name we pray. Amen.

— Psalms for All Seasons (http://www.psalmsforallseasons.org)

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Litany for the Slandered

Musical Suggestion

The closing prayer of the litany may continue with a specific prayer for a member of the community or other people who have been slandered. Or the prayer may be followed by a prayer of confession, acknowledging our own sin of slander and gossip. Conclude with the singing of a hymn of assurance, such as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” or “O Lord, Hear Our Prayer” or a hymn of commitment, such as “O God, My Faithful God.”

— Psalms for All Seasons (http://www.psalmsforallseasons.org)