NIGHT PRAYER: Monday, MLK Day

 

For more than seven decades, Lord,

I've lived a life of privilege and promise:

promises kept and kept secure

by a nation, a Church and a culture

that taught me in oh-so-many ways

that somehow I deserved, was owed,

had merited all the gifts

that came my way and filled my lap...

For more than seven decades, Lord,

I've walked the streets as a tall, white male,

watchful of the routes I took

but, by and large, feeling free to walk

wherever I had a mind to go, day or night,

with friends or all alone...

 

For more than seven decades, Lord,

I've trusted that the world around

would welcome me, understand me,

help me, encourage me, forgive me,

reward me and tell me in so many ways,

"You're good, you're fine, you're one of us..."

 

So, it's only from outside, Lord,

that I observe the life of my sisters and brothers,

your daughters and sons, who are, every day,

identified, classified and marginalized 

simply on account of their color, 

deeper and richer than the pale canvas

on which my own life is painted...

 

For more than seven decades, Lord, 

I was raised and taught not to be racist

but now I'm learning, I'm beginning to see

- that wasn't enough...

If it's not too late, Lord, 

(and I don't believe it ever is)

help me become anti-racist:

   to engage where I've been passive;

   to speak where I've been silent;

   to do as I believe;

   to go where I've not been;

   to read beyond my usual shelf;

   to listen to music I've never sung;

   to come to know the family

      I say I love but haven't met...

 

Help me understand, Lord,

that racism is a sin,

anti-racism a virtue,

and that for a Christian

just avoiding sin is not enough:

    we're called, each one of us, 

    to a live a life of virtue...

Help me not only see the problem, Lord,

   but also to become part of its resolution;

help me work for the very change 

   I pray and vote for...

 

And change me, Lord, from deep within,

   from the inside out, in mind and heart,

change me and how I see the world you've made

   and love the family I belong to,

      the household of your love... 

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me as I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen.

 

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

          by James and J. Rosamond Johnson

 

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