Gracious God, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the six hundred strong, the men and women who, as one in your Spirit, marched for freedom on Bloody Sunday.

Their way of courage and non-violence remains alive and inspires us to follow them. In our mind’s eye, as we remember their witness, guide us in their footsteps as we march on to a future where all your children will flourish together in your love.

Amen.

 

A Litany for Racial Reconciliation

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to join in the determination of those who marched for freedom on Bloody Sunday to be prophets of change.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to break down walls that separate races and unite us in a single body.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to persist in undermining unjust structures that divide and wound us.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to search for common ground and understanding.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to live in community as sisters and brothers of the family of God.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to be reconciled to and love one another.

Amen.

This litany and prayer were originally shared via Greater Birmingham Ministries.