“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

Friends, on this day when we celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, may we remember that there is still much work to do on racial reconciliation within our country. Although This prayer was delivered on September 6, 1953. as part of Dr. King’s broadcast from Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia it is very relevant today. May we continue to work towards justice with renewed vigor.

Most gracious and all wise God, before whose face the generations rise and fall; Thou in whom we live, and move, and have our being. We thank thee (for) all of thy good and gracious gifts, for life and for health; for food and for raiment; for the beauties of nature and human nature. We come before thee painfully
aware of our inadequacies and shortcomings. We realize that we stand surrounded with

the mountains of love and we deliberately dwell in the valley of hate. We stand amid
the forces of truth and deliberately lie. We are forever offered the high road and yet
we choose to travel the low road. For these sins O God forgive. Break the spell of that which blinds our minds. Purify our hearts that we may see thee. O God in these turbu-lent days when fear and doubt are mounting high give us broad visions, penetrating eyes, and power of endurance. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, for a better distribution of wealth and for a brotherhood (humanity) that transcends race or color. In the name and spirit of Jesus we pray. Amen

Pause for silent reflection.

-What are ways that you can work towards justice with renewed vigor?

-How can you make a difference in your home, community and at Parkview?

-Where can we take the high road?