Written by: Sister Mary Shauna Bankemper
“On this day, we remember Martin Luther King Jr. who dreamed of a loving, just society for all. The following prayer was taken from a collection of prayers written by Dr. King regarding services and ministries. These handwritten prayers would be used in a worship service from July 5, 1953 to September 6, 1953. “Most Gracious and all wise God; Before whose face the generations rise and fall; Thou in whom we live, move and have our being. We thank Thee for all of thy good and gracious gifts, for life and for health; for food and for raiment; for the beauties of nature and the love of human nature. We come before Thee painfully aware of our inadequacy and shortcomings.
We realize that we stand surrounded by mountains of love and we deliberately dwell in the valley of hate. We stand amid the forces of truth and deliberately lie. We are forever offered the high road and yet we choose to travel the low road. For these sins, Oh God, forgive. Break the spell of that which blinds our minds.
Purify our hearts that we may see Thee. Oh God in these turbulent days when fear and doubt are mounting high give us broad visions, penetrating eyes and power of endurance. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, for a better distribution of wealth and for a brotherhood that transcends race or color. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we pray. Amen.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
As we reflect on Dr. King’s enduring mission, let us open our hearts to God’s truth and renew our commitment to justice and peace. Guided by the Holy Spirit, may we recognize our shared humanity and, inspired by Dr. King’s example of courage and nonviolence, work together to build a world where love triumphs over division and hope lights the path to true peace. Today, let us answer God’s call: act with compassion, speak boldly for justice and live as instruments of God’s peace.”
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