“Black Prayer” is a term that can refer to various prayers within the Black community that are specific to African American culture and experience. These prayers often reflect the struggles and challenges faced by Black people throughout history, and are often a source of strength and resilience for those who recite them. The content and origins of these prayers can vary widely, from traditional African spiritual practices to Christian and Islamic traditions. “Black Prayer” is not a single, monolithic tradition, but rather a rich and diverse tapestry of beliefs and practices that reflects the complexity of the Black experience. Regardless of their specific content, these prayers are a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of Black communities, and offer a powerful reminder of the power of prayer in times of hardship and adversity.
Please read the prayers below which will provide guidance for Black Prayer. May God Bless You!
Black Prayer 1
Lord forgive me
I’m almost an atheist
I address my black prayer
to all those praying
in the mosques
in the churches
in the monasteries
in the Vodou temples
I address my black prayer
to the women who pray
and those who cry
black tears
through the early morning prayer
a standing prayer
that does not bend
to the rules of engagement
that does not submit
to the catechism of the clock
a prayer that targets
the knees of the police officer
the one who took
Floyd’s neck
as a fulcrum
a standing prayer
a gospel song
that aims for the knees
the cold knees of the police officer
that took
Floyd’s neck
as a fulcrum
Hurry Lord
I’m almost an atheist
Act so that this man
Can no longer walk.
Black Prayer 2
Lord, why did you made me black?
Why did you make someone the world would hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes of grimy hands and feet,
Black is the darkness of tired beaten streets.
Why did you give me thick lips, a broad nose, and kinky hair?
Why did you create someone who receives the hated stare?
Black is the color of the bruised eye when someone get hurt,
Black is the color of darkness, black is the color of dirt.
Why is my bone structure so thick, my hips and cheeks so high?
Why are my eyes brown, and not the color of the sky?
Why do people think I’m useless, how come I feel used?
Why do people see my skin and think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don’t understand it about my skin…
Why is it some people want to hate me and not know the person within?
Black is what people are “Labeled” when others want to keep away,
Black is the color or shadows cast, black is the end of the day.
Lord, you know my own people mistreat me, and you know that just ain’t right,
They don’t like my hair, they don’t like my skin, as they say I’m too dark or too light!
Lord, don’t you think it’s time to make a change?
Why don’t you redo creation and make everyone the same?God’s Reply
Why did I make you? Why did I make you black?
I made you in the color of coal from which beautiful diamonds are formed,
I made you in the color of oil, the black gold which keeps people warm.
Your color is the same as the rich dark soil that grows the food you need,
Your color is the same as the black stallion and panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed!
All colors of the heavenly rainbow can be found throughout every nation,
When all these colors blended, you become my greatest creation!
Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool, such a beautiful creature is he,
I am the shepherd who watches them, I will ALWAYS watch over thee!
You are the color of the midnight sky, I put star glitter in your eyes
There’s a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain, that’s why your cheeks so high!
You are the color of dark clouds from the hurricanes I created in September,
I made your lips so full and thick, so when your kiss…they will remember!
Your stature is strong, your bone structure thick to withstand the burden of time,
The reflection you see in the mirror, that image that looks back, that is MINE!
So get off your knees, look in the mirror and tell me what you see,
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness: I made you in image of ME!
Black Prayer 3
Spirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,
We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us,
But so often passed over,
Those stories that when told are shared because
Of what someone is, not who they are.
This month in our nation’s character
Is Black History month.
Help us to realize that Black history is
All our histories.
May the day come when these stories
Are so wildly taught that no month need
Be separately divided.
We know this day will not come until we as a people
Make different choices.
We pray now for those new choices.
May we come to see a day where the prison system
Becomes redemptive, not punitive.
A day where the legal system learns to focus more squarely on the facts,
And the not colors of our skin.
A day where our schools are as well funded, as the needs demand.
May our role models be allowed to excel when they thrive,
And not be taken down for their rich heritage.
We know this will require a shift in power.
And this can be scary for some.
Give those full of fear – hope.
May we come to know grace,
So that our hearts will not be hardened to the pain around us.
There are so many beautiful stories needing to be told.
And we need to get the chance to hear them.
Widen our vision so that the history that is shared this month,
And every month,
Come to be known as our history too.
We are most human when we see the humanity in others.
Black Prayer 4
Oh, God,
You know I have no money, but you can make the
people do for me, and you must make the people do for me. I will
never give you peace till you do, God.
Amen.
Black Prayer 5
Most Loving and Merciful God,
In whose law we find our guidance, in whose Love we find our healing and joy, and in whose will we find our peace, rule over our spirits in this hour that we will go from this worship with the freedom of those who trust you and need have no anxiety for themselves. Empower us, O God to be open to the seasons of life and give of our hearts Love generously to all in need. Grant us the silence of heart so that we can grow in your word.
As we go through this worship today and culminate what we call “Black History Month”, help us to never forget our history and instill in us the willingness to share our history with our youth and others throughout the year.
Now Lord God, fill us with the solemnity of the faith of the great commission; but also provide us with the means and the will to stay in Loving and Joyous relationships with one another and the world. We ask a special blessing for our pastor who will bring the message by sharing historical reflections.
Lord, we praise and adore you and we thank you for the joy we have in worshiping you in spirit and in truth.
In your name we pray,
Amen.
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