PRAYER FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

 

 

I am writing this on Martin Luther King Day. I intentionally did not read the news this morning so as not to begin the day with anything that would soil the work and memory of Dr. King, peacemaker and Civil Rights icon.  If the day cannot be a Day of Peace in our country or the world, at least I wanted a day of peace in my mind. Perhaps you feel the same.  So instead I set my memory on last Sunday's service, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, January 18, 2026, with our church's bulletin in hand.  The first hymn was the great hymn of Christian unity, "In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north, but one community of love throughout the whole wide earth." 

Matthew:12:46 "In Christ there is no east or west, in him no pride of birth; the chosen family God has blessed now spans the whole wide earth. For God in Christ has made us one from every land and race; has reconciled us through the Son, and met us all with grace. ..."

 

The prayer springing out of these words might be, "Lord, let us set our hearts and minds on actions that bring this goal to fruition, that all are equal, none is condemned for birth or color or creed.  Let us turn to leaders who follow this Christian principle: no pride in one's birth or wealth, no shunning of any land or race.  Let us act according to our faith. Let us not waver. What we need to do, make us brave to do. This is our prayer."

 

Next I was caught by the words of the day's Psalm 40:1-11, specifically the statement "Happy are they who trust in the Lord!  they do not turn to enemies or to those who follow lies."  So we can add to our prayer, "The Lord excludes those who follow lies.  They may be legion.  It is our duty as Christians to confront lies and continue to work for the safety of our planet, our community and our neighbors."  

 

Then our pastor's sermon listed ways to be unhappy.  I didn't take notes, but some of them were, in essence,  the Seven Deadly Sins. We might call these greed, narcissism, megalomania, or just list the sins of Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath.  We could then add to our prayer, "Lord let us see when we are motivated by pride or greed.  Let us see when others are motivated by pride or greed and take all actions so that those sins do not flourish or harm the community. Give us the strength and commitment to do this. Give us the freedom to speak."  

 

Next in our service we sang the great hymn "We Shall Overcome," the anthem of the American Civil Rights Movement, symbolizing the struggle against injustice, prejudice, and hate with the belief that collective action will lead to freedom and equality. It's a powerful message of resilience, rooted in spirituals and work songs, assuring people that they can overcome oppression together, hand in hand, even when facing fear. Now we add to our prayer, "Lord, our collective action must counter injustice, prejudice and hate if we are to achieve or preserve freedom and equality. When we see injustice, we must respond.  When we see prejudice, we must respond.  When we see hate, we must peacefully respond, never wavering from your commands. Keep us mindful of this mission."  

 

Finally, extrapolating from the prayers of intercession, "Just God you desire respect and equality for everyone. Raise us each up to speak the truth. Embolden us to take action for people in need, for people transgressed even unto death, for cities and counties under siege so that we show no fear.  Merciful God, receive our prayer."

 

This is my prayer.  We do not need to cite transgressors. Everyday brings more.  Only the Lord knows them all and the depth of their sin.  We pray and do not shirk.  Thanks be to God.  AMEN