Prayer for the World February 12, 2025

Black History Month

Song:   For All the World –by Jan Novotka

https://youtu.be/G1hxGL-0-FE?si=p6SsgnRVDvEwDbwo

For all the world we gather here!

For all the world we come,

We gather now as one, one in love.

1. Look into the eyes of your neighbor and Let division fade. See in the other the Essence of being, the Light of Spirit Within.

2. We come together to honor and reverence The gift that each of us is. Taking the Time to be present, to listen, with Openness healing begins.

Introduction

February is the month that was declared Black History Month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.

For 55 years we’ve had the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

This year the theme is African Americans and Labor. This theme enables us to:

• Focus on the role of work in shaping Black History and culture.

• It examines the different ways Black people have worked, including under enslavement, in paid roles, and in unpaid roles.

• It highlights the contribution of Black workers to the social, economic, and cultural development of the U.S. and the African diaspora.

• It acknowledges the ongoing struggles for racial and economic justice.

Private reflection

Prayer of Petition

• God of justice and righteousness, we hold before you the history and heritage of Black people, we pray

• We hold before you the hurts of all Black people, we pray

• We thank you for the courage of all Black people who have stood up and resisted racist structures and actions, we pray

• We remember the hurts of exclusion and prejudice experienced by Black people, we pray

  
  

Most gracious and loving God, we remember the struggles of our brothers and sisters, Black people of African descent.

Thank you for your grace, your love, and your mercy. Inspire each of us to work more faithfully for justice and dignity of life everywhere. We ask in the name of Jesus the Christ.   Amen

Song: For All the World