NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 1/20

For more than seven decades, Lord,

I've lived a life of privilege and promise,

promises kept 

by a nation, a Church and a culture

that taught me in oh-so-many ways

that somehow I deserve, am owed,

have even merited all the gifts and blessings

that come my way and fill my lap...

For more than seven decades, Lord,

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

watchful of the routes I take but,

by and large, feeling free to walk

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

with friends or on my own...

 

For more than seven decades, Lord,

I've trusted the world around

to welcome me, understand me,

help me, encourage me, forgive me,

reward me and tell me in so many ways,

"You're good, we like you, you're one of us..."

 

So, it's only from outside, Lord,

that I observe the life of sisters and brothers,

your daughters and sons who are, daily,

identified, classified and marginalized 

simply on account of their color,

shades 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 isn'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 say I believe;

   to go where I've not yet 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, in truth, have never met...

 

Help me understand, Lord,

    that racism is a sin,

        and anti-racism a virtue;

remind me that for Christians

    simply avoiding sin is not enough,

that 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 espouse, 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 how I love your family,

      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.

 

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

    arranged/performed by Major

 

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

Tweet   

SUBSCRIBE HERE!