AC 2021 Prayers

We are still one. Together, we stand, transform and rise. And, together we pray.

Standing

A prayer by the Rev. Tony Love, who serves as Assistant to the Bishop and as a national leader for Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

Precious and gracious God, 
on this day that is filled with new mercies and steeped in faithful provision, I come to you humbly. Honestly seeking your help. 
Relying on you to stand.

In this prolonged season of a weariness and fatigue, I find myself being stretched low. I trust you God to never leave nor forsake me because you are my beginning, my end and all that is in between. Even as Life’s weight bears down upon me, I utter a word in faith ... 
My God is ABLE. 
My God IS faithful. 
My GOD is here. 
And I find myself empowered to stand.  

Because I lean and depend on you, 
and at times, fall upon you, I press. 
I press my way. Often willing myself to stand and face each day with the belief that your grace is sufficient in my human frailty. You are solid. Trustworthy and true.  

The enemy of my salvation seeks to tear me down and destroy me. The attacks are strategic. Often subtle and accomplished with the precision and craftiness of a skilled opponent. But I know that when I carry your promises deep within me, I stand upon your Word and fight the good fight. I speak it to move towards victory. 

I speak into the atmosphere and I declare over myself ... “having done all I can to stand. Still stand in the confidence of God’s power and might! And stand still - hush yourself - to hear, see and witness God.”

In Jesus’ name, so may it be. Hallelujah, amen.

Transforming

A prayer written by the Rev. Dawn Hand, superintendent of the Central Maryland District and Dean of the Cabinet.

God of light, love and limitless wonder, we honor You.
We pray for your transformational power to fall afresh on us.

We come before you weary and worn.

We shout, we cry, we lament – where are you O God?

When we are empty, we long to be filled. 
When we are depressed, we long to be revived.
When we are in darkness, we long to be illumined.
When we are lonely, we long to be comforted.
When we are suffering, we long to be healed.

When we are in the wilderness, we long to be found.

Usher us from the state of stagnation and hesitation into determination and exaltation.
Stretch the capacity of our hearts, that our liberation springs forth transformation.

God of light, love and limitless wonder, we honor You.
We pray for your transformational power to fall afresh on us. 

Come, Lord, come. Amen.

Rising

(inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise”)
By Chet Jechura, who will be commissioned as a Provisional Elder on the day the BWC focuses on the theme of “rise.”

God of Resurrection Power:  

Despite the twists and turns and the ups and downs 
Of everyday living amid a global pandemic, 
It is by your grace alone that still, we rise. 
Empower us with the strength of your Spirit 
To rise anew this day with the love of Jesus enfleshed in our lives: 
So that justice may roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 
Despite it all, may we rise together once more this day and co-create
Your Beloved Community. 

Amen.