Loving God of mercy and justice, as we celebrate the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded more than ever of his words to us:
We are tied together in the single garment of destiny,
caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.
And whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
(“Letter from Birmingham Jail”)
Mysterious God, we pray for a greater understanding of our interdependence on one another.
May we refuse to believe that we are unable to influence the events which surround us.
May we refuse to believe that we are so bound to racism and war, that justice and peace are impossible.
And through Your goodness at work within each of us, may we reach out with healing hands to those we serve.
We ask this in Your name.—AMEN.