This article is the genesis for today’s Hedge Prayers – and there are TWO prayers – one for protection; another to limit damage and deflect harm.

Federal workers endure financial strain and fear layoffs as the government shutdown drags on

Gracious God, please build a hedge of protection around the thousands of federal workers whose lives and livelihoods hang in the balance during the ongoing government shut down.  Many – if not most – of them would undoubtedly be harmed were the cuts to health care the republican led Congress seems determined to push actually be made permanent – hence the entire reason for opposing the funding bill that has led to this shutdown – but they also are living in fear that they will be illegally be terminated simply to make a political point.  Help them trust and continue to have hope in such a perilous time.  May your hedge protect them, guide them, and keep them whole.

And Lord, may your hedge of thorns stand as a solid block to those who would make a game out of the pain and suffering these workers are currently enduring.  Squeeze such cowards into a smaller and smaller pocket of thorns, until they can not turn any which way other than the one you allow.

Amen.