Prayer, day 2258: On the Feast Day of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lord, we we lift our hearts in wonder and praise:
thanks be to God.
Holy One, hear our supplications and meditations,
and open our ears to hear your call to us.

Help us to hear the voices of your prophets,
especially the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
that we may be the Beloved Community.
Place your guiding hand upon us, Lord Christ,
that we may enter into the promised land
of fellowship and compassion.
Give us the courage to work for equality and right;
give us wisdom to celebrate our unity and mutual love.
Make us patient in loving each other,
even those who oppose us;
make us implacable in the face of racism and injustice.
Help us bear any burden in the name of hope and freedom,
placing our freedom in the service of others.

Spirit of Healing, hold us within your grace,
and give your blessing to those we now name.

Amen.


Photo: Dr King delivering his last sermon, April 3, 1968, in Memphis, on the eve of his assassination.