The online editorial staff comprises Betsy Shirley, Jenna Barnett, Josiah R. Daniels, Mitchell Atencio, Heather Brady, Kierra Bennning, and Zachary Lee.

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Verse of the Day: 'Come, Follow Me'

by the Web Editors 12-21-2012
Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ - Matthew 19:21 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail

Prayer of the Day: 'Live Foolishly'

by the Web Editors 12-21-2012
Lord, help us to live so foolishly for you that we draw onlookers and those who would deride us. And while they watch and mock, change all our hearts that we might learn to laugh at the foolishness this world calls normal and run away with the circus that is real life. Amen.

Voice of the Day: Helen Keller

by the Web Editors 12-20-2012
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. - Helen Keller + Sign up to receive our quote of the day via e-mail

Prayer of the Day: Fiscal Cliff

by the Web Editors 12-20-2012
Lord, we pray that you would give our leaders wisdom in reaching an agreement on the Fiscal Cliff. Stir them to protect the vulnerable in their negotiations. Amen.

Verse of the Day: 'He Will Bring Forth Justice'

by the Web Editors 12-20-2012
A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. - Isaiah 42:3 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail

Prayer of the Day: Pick Apart

by the Web Editors 12-19-2012
Lord, we pray that rather than picking apart your gospel to suit ourselves, we would pick apart the twisted assumption that bread is only for the fortunate, water only for the lucky, and freedom only for the strong. Amen. -From Common Prayer

Verse of the Day: Practice Justice

by the Web Editors 12-19-2012
But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practised, without neglecting the others. - Luke 11:42 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail

Voice of the Day: Desmond Tutu

by the Web Editors 12-19-2012
I don't preach a social gospel; I preach the gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn't say, 'Now is that political or social?' He said, 'I feed you.' Because the good news to a hungry person is bread. - Desmond Tutu + Sign up to receive our quote of the day via e-mail

Verse and Voice: December 21, 2012 - January 1, 2013

by the Web Editors 12-19-2012

The Verse and Voice will not be available on the blog from December 21, 2012 through January 1, 2013. Please check your daily emails for the latest quotes, scripture passages, and prayers from Sojourners. 

If you don't have already have a Verse and Voice subscription, you can subscribe here.

VIDEO: Pray for A Budget Deal That Lifts Up the Poor

by the Web Editors 12-18-2012

In three weeks, automatic tax hikes and spending cuts will take effect, potentially triggering a new recession ... unless Congress and the President Obama negotiate a new solution. Long story short, Washington politicians want to cut support for the struggling poor, but protect tax benefits for the wealthy.

President Obama and Speaker Boehner are negotiating behind closed doors, but the details that have leaked are scary. There's a lot at stake, especially for the most vulnerable members of our society.

Cutting programs for the poor, but protecting the wealthy? That's against the very spirit of Christmas.

Speaker Boehner has the power to protect poor and vulnerable people, and he needs to hear from people of faith, especially at Christmas time. Sojourners is calling on Congress and Speaker Boehner to consider the repercussions of their actions. Pray with us as we await this important budget deal. 

Right now, this commercial is airing in Speaker Boehner's Ohio district. But we want to spread that message further and ensure everyone in Washington is joining us in a chorus of prayer. Give your year-end gift to help Sojourners get this message out in Washington!

Verse of the Day: 'Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters'

by the Web Editors 12-18-2012
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. - Amos 5:24 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail

Voice of the Day: Thomas Hardy

by the Web Editors 12-18-2012
'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it, and pay a million priests to bring it. After two thousand years of mass we've got as far as poison-gas. - Thomas Hardy From "Christmas: 1924" + Sign up to receive our quote of the day via e-mail

Prayer of the Day: Maranatha

by the Web Editors 12-18-2012
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the spirit of your Son. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call — Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus. -A Prayer by John Main, OSB

Prayer of the Day: Comfort and Wisdom

by the Web Editors 12-17-2012
God, please comfort and heal all of those who are grieving those lost in the shooting on Friday. Grant our leaders wisdom moving forward to prevent such violence in the future.

Voice of the Day: Alfred Lord Tennyson

by the Web Editors 12-17-2012
If thou shouldst never see my face again, pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. - Alfred Lord Tennyson From The Idylls of the King + Sign up to receive our quote of the day via e-mail

Verse of the Day: 'He Heals the Brokenhearted'

by the Web Editors 12-17-2012
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail

'God Has Called Them All Home:' President's Remarks at Sandy Hook Interfaith Vigil

by the Web Editors 12-17-2012
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

President Obama during a memorial service for the victims at Sandy Hook. MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Reports: 27 Dead in Conn. Elementary School Shooting

by the Web Editors 12-14-2012

According to AP, 27 have been killed, including 18 children, at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school. 

An official with knowledge of a shooting at a Connecticut elementary school says 27 people are dead, including 18 children.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still under way.

Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity for the same reason, says the gunman is among the dead.

Sojourners extends our thoughts and prayers to all of the children, teachers, staff, and families of those involved. 

Lord, give peace to those who await news about their loved ones. Show your presence to those who may feel far from you during this tragedy. Amen.

Watch live reports here: 

Watch live streaming video from foxct at livestream.com

Prayer of the Day: Connecticut Shooting

by the Web Editors 12-14-2012
Please pray for the victims and families affected by the shooting this morning in Connecticut. 

Verse of the Day: 'Our Stronghold'

by the Web Editors 12-14-2012
Our stronghold is the God of Jacob.  - Psalm 46:11 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail