Prayers of the People: Keeping the Dream, Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For Wednesday, April 4, 2018, On the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., 
at the Episcopal Church of Sts Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, DE  SsAM.org

Readings: Psalm 137:1-6, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Psalm 139:1-11, Audio from Dr King’s speech: “Loving Your Enemies”, 
Matthew 5:1-11  

italicized words are quoted from Dr. King and gathered from various sources

          Untold billions of words have been written about this man for whom there are no all-encompassing or adequate adjectives. I will not pretend that I have anything further to add except to say that in all the research I have done in preparing the following, the resonance and relevance of his words ring as clear, and prescient, and as necessary to our own time as when he spoke them in his. We were blessed that he lived among us. We ARE blessed to have him still in the presence of his words. 

We are charged with and MUST Keep the Dream Alive! 

Dear Martin, with your words...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, as we come before you painfully aware of our inadequacies and shortcomings, we ask You to break the spell of that which blinds our minds. Purify our hearts, that we may see You and transform Your cosmic energy into constructive force that becomes a glowing daybreak of freedom and justice for all Your people everywhere.

                                          Most Gracious and All Wise God

RESPONSE:       Keep us constant, unwise and untimely in the work of Justice

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, For all of us today – citizens and public officials alike – white and black, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, Protestants, Catholics, Jews and gentiles, let us build together a world where none shall prey upon the weaknesses of others, where greed and poverty shall be eliminated, where success is founded upon service, and an honor given for nobleness alone. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                           Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                           Reconcile and unite us in a great fellowship of love

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, grant courage and faith, for all in times of trial, that in turning to You, we can all make the transition from “Let this cup pass from me” to “nevertheless.” We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

             

                                            Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                            Lift us from the fatigue of despair to the buoyancy of hope

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, our earthly life is a prelude to a glorious new awakening, and death is an open door that leads us into eternal life. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                             Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                             We commend our loved ones to Your eternal daybreak of joy

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, we pause in this moment remember the life and work of Your Servant, our Brother, Martin, and to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                             Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                             In all we do guide us to seek that which is high, noble, and Good

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, bestow special blessings upon those who give their lives in service to You, leading us as we learn to rise out of the tensions of modern life, live in the world, and yet above it, live in the tension, and yet beyond it, and to accept ourselves and the realities of the life You have given us to live also in Your service. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                            Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                            Help us be the Light and the Love that drives out Darkness and Hate

             

The Celebrant adds:  O God, in these turbulent days when fear and doubt are mounting high, give us broad visions, penetrating eyes, and power of endurance. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, for a better distribution of wealth, and for a brotherhood that transcends race or color. We ask through Christ Jesus, our Living Redeemer; the Holy Spirit, Counselor of our Souls; who together with You are our One God, now and forever. Amen.

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