A Prayer for Protesters and Disrupters

Holding space for disappointment, anger, and weariness

Ceasefire Action at CA Senator Padilla’s Office, 2023

I have many thoughts about how those who continue to protest for an end to the genocide in Gaza. First, it’s been a rough few weeks, I know. And second, I have overwhelming feelings of gratitude and respect for your perseverance in the face of accusations, condescension, and dismissal.

I hope you trust that you are on the right side of history. My prediction is that, in 10 years, there will be epic romanticism about those who stood up for Gaza and blatant revisionism about how those who condemned your actions participated in it all. It's all good; we have receipts. I have many thoughts about how people have responded to the Gaza protests, but this week, as I have grappled with my disappointment, anger, and heartbreak, I have been thinking more about my participation in protests and civil disobedience over the past few decades.

Those of us committed to disruptive protest and civil disobedience as a strategy for change — not corporate-sponsored, city-sanctioned marches — whether about Gaza, militarism, immigration, police brutality, gun violence, civil rights, etc. know the accusations that are often directed our way. They are usually of the “If you wouldn't inconvenience people, maybe they would listen” variety. Sometimes, people may not agree, but they understand the importance of protest. However, that commitment to the importance and impact of protest disappears quickly when they find themselves on the receiving end.

It’s exhausting and maddening. Sometimes, being quiet, getting in line, and giving up seem like great choices. Yes, there are times to step back for our self-care, but sometimes we need a reminder that when we faithfully answer the call to protest and disrupt, that is a holy endeavor.

I wrote this prayer to help calm my soul, so I offer it to you if you need it.

Let us pray . . .

Powerful God, who always chooses the side of
those whose lives are surrounded by violence
those whose voices are not being heard
and those whose human worth is dismissed

May our motivations align with Yours
May our actions reflect Your will
May our sorrows be for good
And may our rejoicing be for liberation

May our convictions not be shamed into silence
May our need to be understood not decenter those for whom we fight
May the ongoing silence of others not draw us into complacency
And may our struggles find solidarity with others

May our anger not turn into retribution
May our disappointment not turn into dismissal
May our losses not dwell too long in despair
And may our guiding star of possibility be proven true

May our ongoing activism be nourished by unimaginable hope
May our defiance and disobedience beckon us toward peace
May our co-conspirators and accomplices be a source of joy
And may our movement through the world always be guided by love

May our righteous indignation hold true
May we stay true to the ancestors who formed us
May we stay true to the communities that matter to us
And may we be true to You, from where our calling comes

You see us
You hear us
You hold all of us
And you hold it all with and for us

Amen.

Take care of yourselves, compadres. It’s a long, bumpy road to liberation, but know and believe you are not alone.

The first time I met the end of a police baton was during a protest against the first war in Iraq. This was the officer who wielded the weapon. To be clear, acts of civil disobedience are not about seeking acts of violence, but we know that there is always a possibility when power feels threatened.