As we center ourselves in God’s presence. May our dreams be the dreams of Langston Hughes as expressed in his poem, I Dream a World.
I dream a world where man
No other [one] will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth
And peace its paths adorn.
I dream a world where all
Will know sweet freedom’s way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul
Nor avarice blights our day.
A world I dream where black or white,
Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth
And every [one] is free,
Where wretchedness will hang its head
And joy, like a pearl,
Attends the needs of all mankind-
Of such I dream, my world!
Spirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope, in this month of remembrance, we acknowledge and embrace the power and creativity that our Black sisters and brothers have contributed for the growth of this nation. Continue to widen our vision so that together we may bring our world closer to harmony and peace, communion and solidarity.—AMEN.