On 17 June 2015, a young white supremacist joined a Wednesday night Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, sat with them for an hour, and then shot and killed nine people. Days later, some of the victims’ family members told him in court that they forgave him. The country watched in disbelief.
Historical Context
A June 17 Prayer
Lord, on this day we remember Brother Albert,
who left his art to share bread with the homeless,
and the nine men and women of Emanuel Church,
killed while they studied your Word.
Give me a heart for the poor like Albert’s,
and faith like the Emanuel families,
strong enough to forgive and still demand justice.
Heal the wounds of racism in our land.
Amen.
For the Emanuel Nine
Lord, give eternal rest to Clementa, Cynthia, Tywanza, Ethel,
Susie, DePayne, Myra, Daniel and Sharonda.
Comfort their families and their church.
Amen.
For the Homeless
St Albert, pray for those sleeping outside tonight,
and for everyone who serves them.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 17 June.
- At a Wednesday night Bible study.
- Before volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen.
Scripture Connection
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21
Brother Albert overcame poverty’s cruelty with presence. The Emanuel families overcame hatred with a forgiveness that shocked a nation. Both are Romans 12 lived out.
Related prayers
For Wednesday evening prayer, see the Wednesday Night Prayer. For the Black church tradition, the Black Family Prayer. For justice, the Prayer for MLK Day.