Black History Month Prayer:  For the World and the Wesley Community

S

pirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,

We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us, but are so often passed over.

Those stories that when told are shared because of WHAT someone did to combat oppression, and not simply for the color of their skin. 

This month in our nation we pause to celebrate Black History. 

Lord, help us to realize that Black history is ALL our history.

May the day come when these stories are so wildly taught that no month need be set aside. 

We know this day will not come until we as a people make different choices. So, Lord we come praying for those new choices.

We pray for a day when our schools are so well funded, that each child has access to a quality education. And when they graduate, we pray for a livable wage, we pray for health care and we pray for housing. 

Lord, we pray for a day when the prison system becomes redemptive, and not punitive.

We know this will require a shift in power and acknowledge this can be scary for some.

Lord, give to those who are full of fear – hope, and may they come to know your redemptive grace so that their hearts will not be hardened to the pain of their neighbors.

Wesley, there are so many beautiful stories needing to be told.

And we need to get the chance to hear them.

So Lord, today we ask that you widen our vision and speak to our hearts so that the black history that is shared becomes part of our communal history.

For we know, we are most human, when we see the humanity in others.

Amen!!!