In my student-teacher days in college, back when I thought I wanted to be a teacher, I taught a lesson in an English literature class at Cass Tech, a predominantly Black high school in Detroit. The text we were studying had a reference to "40 acres and a mule." Ignorant of what this meant, I skipped over it. After the class ended, the teacher pulled me aside and took me to task. I had to admit that I didn't "know as much as I should" about "African American history." Her blistering reply still...

Lead us, we pray, in the ways of justice, mercy, and peace. Inspire us to live for all, to assist in ways open to us to alleviate the suffering of others. Amen. —Cultivating Fruitfulness, Robert Schnase

Help us in our congregation “To sing a new song to the Lord,” To be created and recreated Again and again by your Holy Spirit. Amen. from Cultivating Fruitfulness by Robert Schnase

O God you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. from The Book of Common Prayer, 1979

Holy Father, help me to look beyond myself and see the world through your eyes. May I continually be changed through my worship of you. Amen. --Cultivating Fruitfulness, Robert Schnase Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Gracious God, give me a heart that remembers the strangers who may be in my path today. Help me share your all-encompassing love with them, just as you have shown love to me. Amen. —Cultivating Fruitfulness, Robert Schnase

Grant, Oh Lord, that what has been said with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may practice in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — John Hunter; The United Methodist Book of Worship Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

Thank you, Lord, for the community of faith that has not only surrounded me with steadfast love, but also called me to serve others throughout  the world. Amen. — Cultivating Fruitfulness, Robert Schnase

Jesus, you spoke with passion, you acted without fear, and we remember. Help us when we have to speak out, to speak the truth and without malice to speak. Amen. A New Zealand Prayer Book Image by andrewsbird from Pixabay

Lord God, You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son, that we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon Your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell Your good news to the world. All for your glory do we pray, Lord. Amen. — Rachel Marie Stone Image by dozemode from...

Lord, give me grace to hold righteousness in all things that I may lead a clean and blessed life and prudently flee evil and that I may understand the treacherous and deceitful falseness of the devil.  Make me mild, peaceable, courteous, and temperate. And make me steadfast and strong.  Also, Lord, give Thou to me that I be quiet in words and that I speak what is appropriate.  - John Wycliffe 

God of love, help us to use the gifts you give us for the people who need us. Help us to see their need and, inspired by your Son, reach beyond ourselves, beyond our institutions, to the very margins and bring all to you, the center. May all we do be in preparation to serve more fully, seeking you in the world that we are invited to create with you. Send your Spirit to keep us aglow with the desire of justice.  - Author Unknown