Unity Prayer for Faith Communities in Celebration of Juneteenth: Living the Story of Freedom

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JUNE 12 – 19, 2022

As people of faith across Iowa who gather in worship or in community, we remember the significance of Juneteenth for all siblings of color who, though free from the literal bonds of slavery, continue to live burdened by systems of oppression. 

We hear the living story of freedom and pray as people united in faith and justice for the healing and reconciliation of all creation and across the generations knowing the word comes as freedom to the oppressed. We hear and share the messages of liberation and freedom expressed by all faiths and different communities. 

A living story to keep justice and do righteousness, for salvation is about to come.

A living story to break open our hearts to the suffering of our siblings that we may stand in solidarity and love until righteousness reigns.

May we receive the voices of giftedness and wisdom from people across every hue and lived experience.

Let us not grow weary in doing what is right.

May those with privilege and power use it to break open systems and institutions that all may share equally and equitably in the goodness and in prosperity.

May we elevate Black joy as a form of resistance and mutual care.

May we celebrate the sacred vocation of Black fatherhood, motherhood, and parenting.

Help us to speak truth. 

Help us to listen and hear the full nature of our history as a nation.

Let us walk together as instruments of love overflowing towards the care of all people and in peace.

May we seek a shared path together to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly toward equality, equity, and justice for all.