Lord of justice and mercy,
You gave the Levites cities scattered among the tribes,
for they were not to inherit land as others,
but to dwell near all,
serving as priests and teachers,
reminders that Your presence belongs everywhere.
No corner of Israel was without a Levite,
no tribe beyond the reach of worship.
O God, let my life be such a presence.
Scatter me where You will,
that I might carry Your name,
that my words and works
might remind others of You.
Let me not cling to possessions
or build identity in land,
but rejoice that You Yourself are my inheritance.
Wherever I dwell,
be my portion.
Wherever I go,
be my home.
You also gave cities of refuge,
places of safety for those who fled,
where the manslayer could find shelter
until justice was done.
Not to excuse bloodshed,
but to protect life,
to keep mercy and judgment in balance.
O Lord, I see Christ here.
For He is my refuge,
my city of safety,
the place I run when guilt pursues me.
In Him I am sheltered,
in Him justice is satisfied,
in Him mercy is found.
Father, how I need this refuge daily.
Sin’s accuser chases me,
conscience weighs me down,
the law points its finger.
But I flee to the cross,
and there I am safe.
There, the blood of Christ speaks louder
than the blood of Abel.
There, judgment and mercy meet.
There, I find rest.
You set boundaries for justice:
the avenger of blood restrained,
the unintentional protected,
the guilty held accountable.
Lord, You are a God of perfect balance.
Keep me from cheap grace
that ignores holiness.
Keep me from harsh judgment
that forgets mercy.
Shape me into one who reflects both
truth and grace,
justice and compassion,
the full heart of God.
So today I pray:
scatter me as a Levite,
make me a living reminder of Your presence.
Shelter me as a refugee,
safe in Christ my stronghold.
And sanctify me as Your own,
that all I am and all I have
may declare this truth:
The Lord is my portion,
my refuge,
my home forever.
In the name of Jesus,
the greater High Priest
and my eternal City of Refuge,
Amen.