Rev. Batterman wrote this prayer in response to the fatal shooting of Joan Sebastián Guerrero by ICE agents in Biddeford.
The Unthinkable
Lord, we thought we were safe
from our own government.
We believed that their commitment
was to do no harm to its citizens.
What happened today in our country
was at one time unthinkable.
But, Lord, the unthinkable is happening
right now, right here in our midst.
Our government has turned its sights
on us.
We have become
its victims.
Our sense of safety has disappeared
and we feel lost and afraid.
Call us back to you, Lord, for
only in you can we be safe again.
Teach us to speak a forbidden word
to our government.
Teach us to speak that word
Loud and clear
Teach us to shout that word together
with one loud and clear voice.
Shout that sacred word so all can hear,
with one voice we cry, “NO”!