Prayer for the World February 25, 2026

Black History Month

Introduction

February is the month that was declared Black History Month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.  For 50 years we’ve had the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

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.

   
   

Reading

The 2026 Black History Month theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations," honoring 100 years since the first Negro History Week was launched by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. This milestone theme focuses on the evolution of honoring Black lives, achievements, and resilience while addressing the ongoing necessity of preserving and teaching accurate Black history. 

Key aspects of the 2026 theme include:

• 100 Years of Reflection: The theme highlights a century of national observances and their impact on shaping identity, fostering pride, and advancing equality.

• Contextual Significance: Occurring alongside the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, this theme emphasizes the need to include Black history in the nation's broader historical narrative.

• Resilience and Truth: It focuses on fighting back against efforts to erase or distort Black history from school curricula and public culture.

• Focus on Documentation: The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) emphasizes the role of public memory, showcasing how Black history has been celebrated through literature, art, and community initiatives over the past century. 

This theme encourages deeper exploration into the pioneers who helped establish the annual celebration and encourages a continued commitment to telling, protecting, and honoring Black history. 

Silent Reflection

Prayer of Petition

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

• We hold before you the hurts of all Black people, that there may be healing, we pray

• We pray for those who do not see the oneness of the human family regardless of their color, nationality or culture, we pray

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