O Holy God,

It has so many meanings

Sanctuary

A gathering place
A protected space
A safe haven
Holy of holies

There are real needs
There have always been
Yet it feels crucial now
To name them

To define and redefine
The term

Sanctuary

It cannot be
Privileged
Secluded
Restricted
For members only

Forgive us
When we use it
To withdraw from the world
To put our own safety
First

Then press us to
Create the protected space
Open the safe haven
Allow the gathering place
To let it be yours

Holy of holies

For those who need it
Desperately
Strangers
Wayfarers
Refugees

Today of all days and
Tomorrow and tomorrow

In Christ’s name
Amen