Here’s a prayer for the second Sunday after Epiphany (January 15, 2012). It would be especially appropriate for use in congregations observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16, 2012). The prayer was written by Rev. Mindi, on her Rev-o-lution blog.
Prayer
God of Deborah and Samuel, God of Anna and Simeon, God of all the prophets, we honor our prophets of old and our prophets of today. We honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who called out for Your justice and righteousness for all people, but especially those who were oppressed because of their racial and ethnic identity. We remember how he put his own life on the line, dying in the struggle for freedom from oppression for all God’s children. We remember all of the prophets, from Biblical times to today, who stood up for the oppressed:
(the congregation is invited to lift up and remember the prophets among them—for example, Dr. King, Mother Teresa, etc.)
Lord, we give You thanks for the prophets who have spoken up and put their lives on the line on behalf of Your people. We mourn their loss and pray for all of our prophets. God, stir in us the call to speak out when we see injustice, to act where there is injustice on behalf of all who suffer from oppression. Grant us Your courage and strength to do Your work, for You know each of us, You know our strengths and our challenges, and You call each of us to a unique ministry, and all of us to justice, forgiveness, and love. In the name of Christ, we give honor and thanks for those that have gone before us, and we pray for our prophets today. Amen and Amen.
— written by Rev. Mindi, on her Rev-o-lution blog.
For more resources for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day worship, click on Martin Luther King, Jr. in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
