God of all races and nations, we praise you for all your faithful servants who have done justice, loved mercy, and walked humbly with you. For apostles, martyrs, leaders, and saints, and for humble folk whose names we’ve never heard, but in quiet ways have worked for fairness and respect for all your children. Especially this day we thank you for Martin Luther King Jr, for his courage and conviction and for his tireless quest of a nation that keeps faith with its promises.

For nameless multitudes who suffered the tortures of slavery and the tyranny of oppression, and for the nameless multitudes today whose lives are stunted and cut short by economic and social structures of brutality, we grieve even as we seek justice in your name. Give us strength, our Stronghold, to lift our voices and witness to the amazing gift of your presence and saving grace for all, that we may be your hands in the world and your heart for each other demonstrating your Spirit lives here, in our midst.

Creator and Preserver, who has made all races to dwell upon the earth as one family: break down the barriers of fear and suspicion which divide us, we pray. Guide us to build bridges of love and justice which lead us to greet one another as sisters and brothers and to embrace one another in reconciling fellowship as we seek to make life a blessing for all your children.

Refuge and Sustainer, we pray for the people of the world: for those who are lonely, that they may know your presence; for those who are sad and depressed, that they may know your comfort; for those frightened, that your perfect love may drive away fear; for those who are weak and powerless, that they may know your strength and courage; for those who are sick, that they may know healing; for those who are poor and hungry, that they may have enough. We pray for your healing presence with these known to us: Earl, Brent, David, Allyson and her sons, Dr. Bob, Walter, Sally, Eva, and Bill.

Binder of wounds, hear the prayers of our lives we bring before you . . .

Steadfast God who loves us as a Mother, we pray that we may serve you and use the gifts you have given us to your glory and your praise that we might be salt and leaven and light as we pray together . . . Our Father . . ..