A Prayer for these Times: Based on the Words of Bayard Rustin

"Triple Threat" by Bob Henry

I wrote this prayer to honor the words of Bayard Rustin. For those unfamiliar with Bayard Rustin, he was a Quaker, gay, civil rights organizer, and non-violent activist, best known for his work organizing the March on Washington as adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. I believe his words still ring true to our current condition, today. 

God of Peace,  

Motivate us, today, to use our whole being to combat by nonviolent means the ever-growing racial tensions in the United States of America. In every bay and community may there rise up a group of angelic troublemakers who are not afraid to stand up for Truth, who believe in taking action, and who are willing to join a movement for the freedom of ALL people.

Strengthen us to stand, when Your will and the will of the state conflict. May we be compelled to follow Your will, O God. And if we cannot continue in our present vocation, help us to RESIST.

 

Even though many, label our current condition as political, help us to recognize it also as a moral and spiritual effort. Remind us as we read our scriptures and holy books that all people, whatever their race, color, nationality, orientation, or creed are Your children, created for an eternal destiny, and therefore are of infinite worth. 

 

God, because you first loved us, help us to love one another. 

 

As we take up the struggle, remind us that we cannot hope to achieve democracy or equality in such a way that would destroy the very kind of society which we hope to build. 

 

·      If we desire a society of peace, remind us that we cannot achieve peace through violence.

·      If we desire a society without discrimination, remind us that we must not discriminate against anyone in the process. 

·      If we desire a society that is democratic, remind us that democracy must become a means as well as an end, and, 

·      If we desire a society in which men are brothers and women are sisters, remind us that we must act towards one another with brotherhood and sisterhood. 

 

God, we implore you now, assist us in creating a society safe from prejudice, bigotry, and harassment where black lives matter and human freedom is our ultimate goal. For you have taught us that WE ARE ALL ONE - and if we don't know it, we will learn it the hard way. 

 

God, may we continue to be agitated, troubled, and even enraged about the injustices we see in our world, but let them not destroy us, but rather unite us in peace.

 

Amen.