Family & Relationships

Black Family Prayer

For generations, Black families in America held onto faith when almost everything else was taken from them. Enslaved people gathered secretly in “hush harbors” in the woods to pray and sing. After emancipation, the Black church became the centre of community life: school, meeting hall, safe place and house of worship all at once. Grandmothers on their knees have been the backbone of that tradition.

3 minute read

In 1900, James Weldon Johnson wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing” for schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, to perform for Lincoln’s birthday. His brother John Rosamond Johnson set it to music. It became known as the Black National Anthem, and its third verse is a prayer.

Historical Context

Hymn: “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” James Weldon Johnson, 1900

Black Catholic History Month: November

Observance: Juneteenth, 19 June

Black Catholics have their own heroes of faith: Venerable Augustus Tolton, born into slavery, who became the first recognized Black priest in the United States in 1886; Venerable Pierre Toussaint of New York; and Servant of God Thea Bowman, the Franciscan sister who brought spirituals and joy to the US bishops in 1989.

From “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who hast by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

A Black Family Prayer

Lord, thank you for this family.
Thank you for the ancestors who prayed for us before we were born,
who kept the faith through chains and Jim Crow,
and passed it down to us.
Bless our elders with long life and peace.
Protect our children and our young men and women.
Keep us together, keep us strong,
and keep us close to you.
Amen.

At a Family Reunion

Lord, look at all of us gathered here.
Thank you for every branch of this family tree.
Remember those who’ve gone home to you.
Bless the food, the fellowship and the stories.
Amen.

For Justice

God of justice, let your justice roll down like waters.
Heal what is broken in our nation, and give us courage to work for what is right.
Amen.

Best Times for This Prayer

At family reunions and holiday gatherings.
On Juneteenth, 19 June.
During Black History Month and Black Catholic History Month.

Scripture Connection

“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” — Amos 5:24

Dr Martin Luther King Jr. quoted Amos often, including at the March on Washington in 1963. It’s a prayer that has carried Black families for generations.

Related prayers

For more, see the Balm of Gilead Prayer, the Prayer for MLK Day and the Black Madonna Prayer.

More family & relationships prayers

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About Stephen S. Griffin

Stephen S. Griffin is the pen name of the person who runs Guided by Prayer, a reference library of prayers. How the prayers are written and sourced.