Share the Dream Booklet & Prayer Guide

BOOKLET & PRAYER GUIDE

Share the Dream Six Biblical Principles from the Teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By Matthew Daniels and Chris Broussard with Intercessory Prayer Guide by National Day of Prayer Task Force

1

“I am convinced that the universe is under the control of a Loving God and that in the struggle for righteousness man has cosmic companionship. . . We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2

Contents

Introduction

4

Chapter One Love Intercessory Prayer Guide

5 10

Chapter Two Conscience Intercessory Prayer Guide

14 19

Chapter Three Justice Intercessory Prayer Guide

23 28

Chapter Four Freedom Intercessory Prayer Guide

32 37

Chapter Five Perseverance Intercessory Prayer Guide

41 46

Chapter Six Hope Intercessory Prayer Guide

50 55

3

Introduction

This booklet is condensed from the teaching of Matthew Daniels and Chris Broussard in their video Bible study, Share the DreamTM. The Intercessory Prayer Guide is provided by the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

Share the Dream is a six-session video Bible study based on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The study looks at six biblical principles that shaped Dr. King’s life and motivated him to speak on behalf of African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement: love, conscience, freedom, justice, perseverance, and hope.

The best way to Share the Dream is to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps and embrace his vision. By doing so, we help ourselves and a new generation better understand, live, experience, and ultimately form a community around the unifying principles at the heart of the dream to which Dr. King dedicated his life.

4

Chapter One: Love

Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King was often called an “extremist”? Depending on the context, that word might describe someone who is capable of acts of mass violence or terrorism. But Dr. King took this baggage-laden label and flipped it on its head: “… though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter, I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’… So, the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love?”1 What is love … really? As followers of Christ, what does it mean to be people of love? Or, in the words of Dr. King, what does it mean to be extremists for love?

1

“Excerpt from ‘Le/er from a Birmingham Jail,’” Smithsonian Na>onal Portrait Gallery, accessed 5/26/23, h/ps://npg.si.edu/blog/excerpt-le/er-birmingham-jail.

5

A Biblical Definition of Love The word “love” may be the most overused word in the English language. We use it to express how we feel about thin-crust pizza as well as our deepest affection for other people.

The Bible provides a clear definition of love.

1 John 4:16 says: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” God’s very nature is love. Everything God does flows from love.

To “live in love” is more active than simply having pleasant feelings toward others. To “live in love” is to think, speak, and do for the good of others. God demonstrated His love for us by willingly dying on a cross—while we were still sinners!2 The Bible tells us that God’s love does things: “Love is patient, love is kind … it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”3 Love Your Enemies In 1956, Dr. King’s home in Montgomery, Alabama was bombed – nearly killing his wife and one of his children. An angry crowd assembled 2 3

Romans 5:8 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7-8

6

seeking vengeance for the attack. But when Dr. King arrived, he made a powerful declaration of his commitment to nonviolence by drawing from his faith in Christ: “Don’t get your weapons. He who lives by the sword will perish by the sword. Remember that is what God said. We are not advocating violence.

We want to love our enemies.”4 Our challenging times require us to live a life that is similarly filled by God’s Word. What would your thoughts, words and actions toward those of other races and cultures might look like if God’s love became the most compelling force in your life?

Love Unites It’s been well said that the most segregated hour of the week is Sunday morning in a typical church. As followers of Christ, we can no longer ignore this reality, especially if our hearts are set on bridging the gaps that divide us.

4

“Chapter 8: The Violence of Desperate Men,” Stanford University, The Mar>n Luther King, Jr. Research and Educa>on Ins>tute, accessed 5/26/23, h/ps://kingins>tute.stanford.edu/kingpapers/publica>ons/autobiography-mar>n-luther-king-jrcontents/chapter-8-violence-desperate. See also Ma/hew 5:44 and 26:52

7

Shortly before Jesus was arrested, He prayed for unity in the church: “I pray also … that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”5 But the early church struggled to embody this unity. Many early Jewish Christians thought of themselves as better than Gentiles (non-Jews). In response, Paul wrote: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith … There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave not free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”6 Sadly, this same “I’m better than you are” mentality is pervasive today. It’s fracturing our culture and our churches into “tribes” based on likeness. (Like skin color, cultural background, socioeconomic status, political ideology, and so on.) Because God’s heart is for unity, we must seek opportunities to be bridge builders, and become people who unite in love.

Love is Present Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation when the person you’re talking to looks at their phone and starts texting someone?

5 6

John 17:21 Gala>ans 3:26-28, see also Ephesians 2:14

8

Christian love is fully present. The Living God was so intent on being present in our lives that He sent Christ to bridge the gap between us and Him! When God’s love is the most compelling force in our relationships, we too are present.

When someone is treated unjustly, we show up to support them. We invite neighbors of all skin colors and backgrounds over to dinner, and we show up when they invite us. We step outside of our “tribe” and build Kingdom relationships with people different from us.

1 John 4:17 says: “Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” Similarly, Dr. King wrote, “Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness … the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.”

Will you be a “creative extremist” for love?

9

Intercessory Prayer Guide – Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NKJV Let us take action and begin to pray for positive transformation in each area of influence in our culture and in our community, seeking God's intervention and love to permeate every aspect of society.

Father, we thank You for the transformative power of Your love. As we seek to be ‘extremists for love’ as Dr. King encouraged, guide us in every area of influence, opening doors to build relationships with the ‘influencers that are influencing our lives’ that Your love may shine through us and bring about positive, transformative change in our world. In the name of Jesus, our ultimate example of Your love, we pray. Amen.

Family: Heavenly Father, we lift up families to You. May Your love strengthen family bonds and heal broken relationships. Help us to be extremists for love within our own families, demonstrating 10

patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Guide us to prioritize Your selfless love, nurturing and supporting one another. May our homes be a reflection of Your love and amazing grace. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Church: Lord, we pray for the Church, Your body on earth. Unite us in love and unity, breaking down the barriers that divide us. Help us to embrace our differences while treating all people with love and respect. Seeking to be united in our embrace of You and Your Word. Fill our churches with a spirit of compassion and acceptance, so that we may truly reflect Your love to the world.

Empower us to be extremists for love within our congregations and communities. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Education: Gracious God, we bring the education system before You. Bless teachers, administrators, and students with Your love and wisdom. Help us to create environments where love flourishes, fostering learning, understanding, and personal growth. May education be a platform for promoting Your love, acceptance, and empathy among all students. Guide us to raise a generation

11

that values Your truth and Your love above all else.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Military: Lord, we lift up the military and those who serve our country. Surround them with Your love and protection. Help them to carry out their duties with integrity and compassion. Grant them courage to embody Your love even in the midst of conflict. May Your saving love and grace permeate our military, fostering peace, understanding, and unity of mission. Strengthen their families and provide comfort to those who have lost loved ones. Provide for our veterans who have sacrificed so much in service for our nation. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Government: Heavenly Father, we pray for our leaders serving in government. Pour out Your love upon them, granting them wisdom and discernment. May they prioritize Your truth, love, and justice in their decision-making, seeking the well-being of the people. Help us to be extremists for love in our engagement with the government, advocating for policies that promote love for one another, truth, justice, and compassion. In Jesus' name, we pray.

12

Business: Lord, we bring the business sector before You. Infuse workplaces with Your love, grace, and presence. Help employers and employees to treat one another with respect and fairness. Guide business leaders to prioritize love and compassion over profit, valuing the well-being of their employees and communities. May businesses be agents of positive change, promoting love and generosity in all their dealings.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Gracious God, we pray for the arts, media, and entertainment industries. Fill them with Your love, creativity, and truth. Guide artists, writers, and performers to use their talents to inspire and uplift others. May media outlets promote Your love, truth, and understanding, avoiding division. Help us to be extremists for love in our consumption and support of arts, media, and entertainment. In Jesus' name, we pray.

13

Chapter Two: Conscience

Experts agree that our society is more divided today than at any time since the Civil War. Racial tension. Social unrest. Violence on our streets. Massive political polarization . . . The melting pot is boiling over.

We are the Body established by Christ to bring the healing grace of the gospel to our fallen world.7 Yet many of us have been sidelined . . . paralyzed by the complexity of the issues. We don’t know what to do. So, we often do nothing.

Now is the time to step from the sidelines and invite the Spirit of God to reshape our broken reality. We must join with brothers and sisters of different backgrounds, political viewpoints, and skin color who belong to that beautiful countercultural reality known as the Body of Christ.8 But how?

Developing a Strong Conscience In the context of Scripture, “conscience” is the inner witness of our hearts about what is right and wrong in light of God’s truth and 7 8

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ma/hew 28:18-20 Gala>ans 3:28

14

righteousness. It’s that tension you feel when you’re with friends who want to do something you know is wrong.

Maybe you heard someone say ugly things about another race. Did you join in and feel guilty later? That was your conscience speaking to your heart.

Or maybe you felt like saying something to stop it, but didn’t because you didn’t want to stand out. That was your heart deciding not to listen to your conscience.

Our consciences play a key role in helping us do what is right and honor God. A weak conscience often yields to the cultural norms of selfishness, segregation, or prejudice. A strong conscience has the courage to put into action Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”9 Because of sin, our consciences don’t function well automatically. Before we trusted Jesus for our salvation, our consciences were like a weak battery in a car. Sometimes they worked.

Sometimes they didn’t. Sometimes they were too weak to do their job.

9

Ma/hew 22:36-40

15

But because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we have been given a new and clean conscience that can gradually become more powerful as the Holy Spirit works within us, and as we read God’s Word. Hebrews 9:4 says: “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” With a pure conscience, we can bridge the canyon of hate between races with the love of Jesus.

Conscience and Civil Disobedience Dr. Martin Luther King was a minister. His nonviolent resistance was rooted in the gospel.

Following his conscience meant doing the right thing before God—even if that meant doing the wrong thing in man’s eyes, or breaking the law peacefully. This is often referred to as “civil disobedience.”10 Dr. King said: “One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept 10

Nonviolent protests and sit-ins—when African-Americans refused to leave restaurants designated “whites only”—are examples civil disobedience from the Civil Rights Movement.

16

the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.”11 Was Dr. King saying that we can break any law we’d like as long as we feel it is the right thing to do?

Not at all. Dr. King taught that civil disobedience results when we follow our consciences with respect to unjust human laws that are in clear conflict with God’s principles. He found this modeled in Scripture: “Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than

11

“Mar>n Luther King Jr.’s ‘Le/er From Birmingham Jail,’” The Atlan>c, accessed 5/26/23, h/ps://www.theatlan>c.com/magazine/archive/2018/02/le/erfrom-a-birmingham-jail/552461/.

17

submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire.”12 People of Conscience James 4:17 says if anyone “knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”13 This is the issue before Christians today.

Are we going to be people who do the good we know we should be doing? Are we going to get off the sidelines when we see injustice?

Each day, we are given opportunities to stand up for what is right. We must be people of conscience and choose to speak up and act.

12 13

Ibid.

James 4:17

18

Intercessory Prayer Guide – Conscience

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 NKJV Let us pray for positive transformation in each area of influence, seeking God's intervention and transformation in matters of conscience as it relates to the seven centers of influence.

Father, we thank You for the power of conscience and its role in shaping our actions and decisions. As we seek to be people of strong conscience, guide us in each area of influence to uphold justice, promote unity, and stand against injustice. May Your transformative work be evident in our lives and in the world around us. In the name of Jesus, our ultimate example of conscience toward God and righteousness, we pray. Amen.

Family: Heavenly Father, we pray for families to develop strong consciences rooted in Your truth 19

and righteousness. May our families be guided by love and respect for one another, choosing to do what is right even when it is challenging. Help us to bridge divides and foster unity within our families, demonstrating the love of Jesus. Empower us to be people of conscience who stand up against injustice and prejudice. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Church: Lord, we lift up the Church and its members. May our consciences be shaped by Your Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Help us to be people of strong conscience who prioritize love and justice. Guide us in speaking up against societal divisions and prejudices, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. Grant us the courage to engage our culture in conversation, aligning our thoughts and actions with Your higher moral law. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Education: Gracious God, we pray for the education system and its impact on the formation of a godly conscience. May students and educators be guided by strong consciences rooted in Your truth and righteousness. Help us to foster environments where empathy, understanding, and respect thrive. Empower us to address issues of injustice and division within the education system, 20

standing up for what is right and just. Guide us in equipping the next generation to be people of godly conscience who seek to create positive change. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Military: Lord, we bring the military before You. Guide those who serve to develop strong consciences that align with Your principles. Help them to discern right from wrong, even in difficult circumstances. Grant them the wisdom and courage to act in accordance with their consciences, upholding justice and promoting peace. May they be people of conscience who uphold the highest moral standards. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Government: Heavenly Father, we pray for our leaders in our government. Guide them in developing strong consciences that are aligned with Your truth. May they have the courage to stand up against injustice and make decisions that honor You. Help us to be people of conscience who hold our leaders accountable, speaking truth in love and advocating for justice. In Jesus' name, we pray.

21

Business: Lord, we pray for the business sector and its impact on conscience formation.

Help business leaders and employees to develop strong consciences that prioritize ethical practices and fairness. May they be people of conscience who seek to create positive change in the business world, promoting justice and equality. Guide us in supporting businesses that align with your values and using our voices as consumers to advocate for ethical and moral practices. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Gracious God, we lift up the arts, media, and entertainment industries. Guide artists, writers, and performers to develop strong consciences that reflect Your truth and righteousness. May they use their platforms to inspire and uplift, promoting godly unity and understanding. Help us to be people of conscience who engage with arts, media, and entertainment in a discerning and transformative way. In Jesus' name, we pray.

22

Chapter Three: Justice

On September 18, 1963, Dr. King, delivered a eulogy for four children murdered in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

“They did not die in vain. God still has a way of wringing good out of evil. … In spite of the darkness of this hour, we must not despair. We must not become bitter, nor must we harbor the desire to retaliate with violence. … Somehow we must believe that the most misguided among them can learn to respect the dignity and the worth of all human personality.”14 Dr. King didn’t speak in a spirit of vengeance or focus on punishing the guilty. Instead, he talked about responding to this grave injustice with hope.

Hope that good would come from this monstrous evil and that the hearts of the evildoers would change.

Was his response a just one? There are a lot of different ideas about justice. How do we make sense of them? How can we, as Christ-followers, respond justly to racial tensions and disparities?

14

“Chapter 21: Death of Illusions,” Stanford University, The Mar>n Luther King, Jr. Research and Educa>on Ins>tute, accessed 5/26/23, h/ps://kingins>tute.stanford.edu/chapter-21-death-illusions.

23

The Biblical Foundation for Justice Genesis 1:26 tells of the Lord creating humanity. “God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness …’” Every human being is created in the image of God. This beautiful reality is foundational for understanding biblical justice.

Every human being is inherently and immeasurably valuable.

In the simplest terms, the word “justice” means “to make right.” The writer of Psalm 89:14 declares to God, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.” “Righteousness” and “justice” are paired often throughout Scripture. “Righteousness” is right-ness, specifically in relationships, and “justice” is to make right.

So, to act justly is to take wrong situations or broken relationships and make them “right” again.

Because every human being is inherently and immeasurably valuable, to act justly is to make right any relationship in which any human being is treated as less valuable than another.

But what does it mean to “make something right”? To find an answer, let’s consider justice in two categories.

Retributive and Restorative Justice 24

“Retribution” is a punishment or payment for wrongdoing. So, retributive justice makes a situation right by having the guilty party suffer punishment for what he or she did. Under Old Testament Law, those found guilty of a crime were required to pay back a “life for a life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth ...”15 This early legal system deterred people from behaving badly and protected the most vulnerable from oppression and mistreatment.16 To “restore” means to bring something back to its original condition or intent. God’s intent for every human being—man, woman, black, brown, white, young, old . . . and His intent for you—is that we will know our infinite worth. So, restorative justice makes right of broken relationships and helps hurting people. Scripture is full of examples.

Exodus 22:1 says, “Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.” Notice how the thief didn’t just restore the loss. He had to help the person he hurt through an act of restitution and restoration.17 15

Deuteronomy 19:21 Proverbs 31:8-9 and Jeremiah 22:3 17 Another example of restora>ve jus>ce is the year of Jubilee. See Levi>cus 25.

16

25

Christ, the Ultimate Example During the first century, Jews in Israel lived under Roman military occupation. They were overtaxed, mistreated, and oppressed. For centuries they waited for the promised Messiah who would save them. They expected a military leader who would give the Romans what they deserved. They expected retributive justice alone.

But Christ taught both retributive and restorative justice. He described a future day of judgment when everyone will give and account for their actions and receive either eternal blessing or eternal punishment.18 That is retributive justice.

Christ spoke of his plan of restorative justice.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."19 Christ also fulfilled the requirements of the retributive justice through his crucifixion—taking upon himself the punishment that is warranted by

18 19

Ma/hew 25:31-46 Luke 4:18-19, see also Isaiah 61:1-2

26

sin. Jesus is the divine embodiment of both retributive and restorative justice.

Start By Asking “Who?” Who in your neighborhood, school, or city is suffering harm at the hands of another? Who has been made to believe his or her worth is far less than God intended? Who might God be calling you to help?

Dr. King’s “who” included four children in Alabama. He responded to their murders with a call for restorative justice.

Dr. King once called the Old Testament prophet Amos an “extremist for justice.”20 May Amos’ words be true in your life: “… let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”21

20

“Excerpt from ‘Le/er from a Birmingham Jail,’” Smithsonian Na>onal Portrait Gallery, accessed 5/26/23, h/ps://npg.si.edu/blog/excerpt-le/er-birmingham-jail, 21 Amos 5:24

27

Intercessory Prayer Guide – Justice

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” Psalm 89:14 NKJV Let us pray for positive transformation in each area of influence, seeking God's intervention and transformation in matters of justice as it relates to the seven centers of influence.

Father, we thank You for Your heart for justice and righteousness. As we seek to act justly in every area of influence, guide us to embrace true biblical justice. May Your transformative power bring healing, reconciliation, and restoration to broken relationships and systems. Empower us to be agents of change, reflecting Your love and justice in all that we do. In the name of Jesus, who exemplified godly justness and justice, we pray.

Amen.

Family: Heavenly Father, we pray for families to embrace justice and righteousness in their relationships. May every family member recognize the inherent value and worth of one another, treating each other with fairness and respect.

28

Guide us to restore broken relationships and to seek reconciliation where there is division. Help us to be agents of restorative justice within our families, reflecting Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Church: Lord, we lift up the Church and its role in promoting justice. May our churches be places where righteousness and justice are embraced as foundational principles. Empower us to address tensions and disparities within our congregations and communities. Guide us to take restorative action, as we seek to make right the wrongs that exist. Help us to be a voice for the marginalized and oppressed, demonstrating Your love and compassion. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Education: Gracious God, we pray for the education system and its pursuit of justice. May educators and students engage in learning environments that promote fairness and equity.

Guide us in creating a culture of biblical justice within schools, where hurts are healed, and relationships are reconciled. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Military: Lord, we bring the military before You. Guide those who serve to uphold justice in their 29

actions and decisions. May they operate with integrity and fairness, protecting the vulnerable and promoting peace. Help us to support and care for our military personnel, recognizing their sacrifices and seeking justice for any wrongdoing or mistreatment. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Government: Heavenly Father, we pray for our leaders in government. Guide them in making just and righteous decisions that uphold the laws of our land by defending dignity and worth of every individual. Grant them wisdom and discernment to address tensions with compassion and equity within our society. Help us, as citizens, to actively engage with our government, advocating for justice in our communities. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Business: Lord, we pray for the business sector and its pursuit of justice. May businesses operate with integrity, fairness, and ethical practices. Guide business leaders to prioritize the well-being of their employees and customers, ensuring just treatment and equity in all of their dealings. Help us to support businesses that uphold biblical justice and to address injustices within the corporate world. In Jesus' name, we pray.

30

Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Gracious God, we lift up the arts, media, and entertainment industries. Guide artists, writers, and performers to use their platforms to promote justice and righteousness. May their work inspire positive change and challenge societal norms that are in conflict with Your Word. Help us to engage with arts, media, and entertainment in a discerning manner, supporting content that reflects Your values. In Jesus' name, we pray.

31

Chapter Four: Freedom

The quest for freedom is woven into the fabric of the human spirit. From the writers of the Magna Carta, to Dr. Martin Luther King, to protestors in Tiananmen Square, to modern-day heroes battling for the freedom of those enslaved by human trafficking. History is full of brave men and women standing up for freedom, often at great personal cost. Across time and cultures, freedom is recognized as a fundamental human right.

But what is freedom? And why does it resonate so deeply in the human heart?

Free Indeed “Freedom” is defined as “liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another; independence.”22 Dr. King said: “There seems to be an internal desire for freedom within the soul of every man . . . It might not break forth in the beginning, but eventually it breaks out. Men realize that, that freedom is something basic . . . To take from him his freedom is to rob him of something of God’s image.”

22

h/ps://www.merriam-webster.com/dic>onary/freedom

32

Early in Scripture, God’s people were “groaning” under the weight of slavery.23 God heard their groaning and delivered them from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the land He had promised. Then many generations passed.

Sometimes God’s people were free from human oppressors. Sometimes they were not. There was one relentless oppressor that succeeded in enslaving every generation—sin.

All of us were also slaves to sin. God’s answer to our spiritual slavery is Christ. Through His death on the cross, Jesus—who never sinned— became our ransom. Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”24 God etched into every human heart the longing for freedom. And slavery directly opposes God’s will and design for humanity.

Slavery and the Civil Rights Movement Slavery in America legally ended at the conclusion of the Civil War. In 1868, the 14th Amendment to the Constitution gave Black 23 24

Exodus 2:23 John 8:34-36

33

Americans equal protection under the law. Then the 15th Amendment (1870) gave Black American men the right to vote.

But even with these laws, many people denied Black Americans their rights to freedom. In the late 19th century, local governments in the South began passing laws to marginalize Black Americans and separate them from White Americans. Black Americans were banned from using the same public facilities, live in many of the same towns, or attend the same schools. Even in northern states, Black Americans experienced discrimination in various forms.

On December 1, 1955, a woman named Rosa Parks took a seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She complied with the city’s segregation laws and sat in a seat designated for Black passengers. But when a white passenger couldn’t find a seat in his designated section, the bus driver told her and three other Black passengers to give up their seats for him. Rosa Parks refused—and was arrested.

Rosa Parks’ stand against this injustice served as the spark that ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Black community leaders soon after formed the Montgomery Improvement Association, selecting a Baptist minister named Dr. Martin 34

Luther King, Jr. as its leader. This role placed Dr. King in a prominent position in the fight for civil rights.

It all began with Rosa Parks.25 Slavery Today Modern forms of slavery, like human trafficking, continue to exist. Though different in many ways, at the core of both racial discrimination and human trafficking is the denial of the fundamental human right to freedom.

Victims of human trafficking are forced into grueling labor with little or no compensation and are subjected to unthinkable physical and sexual abuse. Most live in fear, threatened with injury or death if they try to escape or get help.

It’s estimated there are over 40 million men, women, and children around the world living in slavery today. As of 2013, more than 300,000 children have been trafficked each year within the United States alone.26 Though it is no longer legal

25

h/ps://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rightsmovement 26 h/ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd0gz-sUgVY

35

in the United States, there may be more slaves in our world today than at any other point in history.27 No Act is Too Small Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that what you can do is too small or insignificant. Rosa Parks had no way of knowing that refusing to give up her seat would spark a movement. You can start by getting educated about human trafficking and spreading the word. Look up anti-trafficking organizations in your area and volunteer. The enemy wants you to believe that your actions don’t matter. But the truth is that when you make yourself available to God, he will accomplish amazing things that you never dreamed possible.

May the freedom of Christ overflow from your life like living water! As Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”28

27

h/ps://www.worldatlas.com/ar>cles/countries-with-the-mostmodern-slaves-today.html 28 Luke 18:27

36

Intercessory Prayer Guide – Freedom

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV Let us pray for positive transformation in each area of influence, seeking God's intervention and transformation in matters of freedom as it relates to the seven centers of influence.

Father, we thank You for the freedom we have in Christ and for the desire for freedom that You have placed in the human heart. We pray for the eradication of slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. Guide us to take action, both individually and collectively, to combat this grave injustice. Empower us to be agents of freedom and restoration, reflecting Your love and compassion. In the name of Jesus, who sets the captives free, we pray. Amen.

Family: Heavenly Father, we pray for families to experience true freedom in Christ. May every family member understand their identity as children of God and embrace the freedom that comes from knowing You. Guide families to treat one another with love and respect, upholding the value and 37

dignity of every individual. We pray for families affected by the heinous sin of human trafficking, that they may find deliverance, healing, and restoration. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Church: Lord, we lift up the Church and its role in promoting freedom. May the Church be a beacon of light and hope, standing against all forms of oppression and injustice. Empower us to advocate for the freedom of those enslaved by sin and to provide support and resources for their restoration. Help us to create an atmosphere of freedom within our congregations, where every individual can experience the liberating power of Your grace. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Education: Gracious God, we pray for the education system and its pursuit of freedom. Guide educators and students to foster an environment that values freedom of thought, expression, and exploration. May schools become safe havens where children are educated about their rights and the importance of respecting the freedom and dignity of others. We pray for education programs that empower students to be agents of change. In Jesus' name, we pray.

38

Military: Lord, we bring the military before You. We pray for those serving in the military who are fighting for freedom and justice. Protect them and grant them wisdom in their actions. May they work to eradicate slavery in every form and bring freedom to those who are oppressed. We also pray for freedom, healing and restoration of our military personnel who have been affected by PTSD and other afflictions. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Government: Heavenly Father, we pray for our leaders in our government. Guide them in developing and enforcing laws that protect the freedom and rights of all individuals. We pray for legislation and initiatives aimed at eradicating human trafficking and providing support for survivors. Grant wisdom and discernment to our leaders as they address this issue. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Business: Lord, we pray for the business sector and its pursuit of freedom. Guide business leaders to operate ethically, ensuring that their practices do not contribute to or enable human trafficking. We pray for businesses to become advocates for freedom, supporting organizations and providing employment opportunities for 39

survivors. Help us, as consumers, to support businesses that uphold freedom and to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Gracious God, we lift up the arts, media, and entertainment industries. Inspire artists, writers, and performers to use their platforms to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote freedom and justice.

May their creative works ignite compassion and drive change in society. We pray for media outlets to report on issues related to slavery and human trafficking, shining a light on these injustices and inspiring action. In Jesus' name, we pray.

40

Chapter Five: Perseverance

Within months of the Civil War’s end, the Black community began to mobilize in a widespread effort to gain political and economic influence. Eventually, 2,000 African Americans held public office, from the local level to the United States Senate.

But White violence in the South, and White indifference in the North resulted in the new system of legalized inequality and segregation in the South discussed in the last chapter. It was called, “Jim Crow.”

For decades African Americans would fight for their most basic rights. They staged boycotts and sit-ins (civil disobedience). They also practiced individual forms of resistance such as moving into White neighborhoods and migrating north. Their persistent efforts were met with relentless violence.

Still, they kept on.

How did so many have the strength to fight such oppression? No word better describes this persistent strength than “perseverance.”

What is perseverance? And as a follower of Jesus in today’s social and political climate, what does it look like to be a person of perseverance?

41

The Race Marked Out for Us Perseverance can be defined as “active persistence.” Perseverance and patience are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a fundamental difference between the two: patience waits, perseverance acts.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”29 There are few things more active than a race! No one wins a race by waiting passively at the starting line. They win by actively moving forward, by persisting— persevering.

Dr. King wrote his now-famous Letter From the Birmingham Jail to a group of white clergymen who had urged him to put a stop to acts of civil disobedience. After decades of vile injustice enacted upon African Americans, Dr. King’s patience had run thin. He said: “There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.”30 29

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Mar>n Luther King Jr.’s ‘Le/er From Birmingham Jail,’” The Atlan*c, accessed 5/26/23, 30

42

Dr. King had been threatened, imprisoned, separated from his family, and would eventually be killed. But the way he and other Civil Rights leaders saw it, they had two options: throw in the towel and resign to the status quo, or persevere—press forward with renewed, persistent, unceasing efforts.

Fortunately for America and our world, they chose option two.

Our Two Options Christ said, “In this world you will have trouble.”31 The past several years has been troubling for a lot of us! A worldwide pandemic, financial burdens, political division, racial tensions … just surviving some days feels like a victory! But like Dr. King, we have two options.

Option one: we throw in the towel and resign to the status quo. For some of us, this takes the form of escaping into endless hours of mindless entertainment or social media. For others it might mean being glued to the 24-hour-news cycle and complaining about what is happening but doing nothing about it. h/ps://www.theatlan>c.com/magazine/archive/2018/02/le/erfrom-a-birmingham-jail/552461/.

31 John 16:33

43

Or, option two: we persevere. We move forward and use this season as a time to grow.

We’re not alone in option two! After Christ said we will have trouble, he said, “But take heart for I have overcome the world!”32 God may not always immediately change our circumstances, but when we invite him into our hard days, he can change something inside of us.

James 1:2-4 says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Perseverance isn’t just something we do.

Through grace, perseverance does something to us! Persevering in difficult times changes us. Over time, perseverance causes us to mature.

We Shall Overcome When this season transitions to the next and today’s headlines are nothing but a memory, who will we be? Will we be the same people we were before, or will we be more mature, more just, and more willing to stand up for others? Will we be 32

Ibid.

44

people who seek escape (option one) or will we choose option two, like Dr. King and other civil rights leaders? Will we be people of perseverance?

As people of faith, we can persevere because we know the final outcome. We know that God hears our prayers and cares about injustice in our world. We can remain steadfast and trust God even when the world around us seems to crumble because we know who wins.

Christ said, “I have overcome the world.”

Our God is victorious! We shall overcome because he has overcome.

45

Intercessory Prayer Guide – Perseverance

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 NKJV Let us pray for positive transformation in each area of influence, seeking God's intervention and transformation in matters of perseverance as it relates to the seven centers of influence.

Father, we thank You for the gift of perseverance. May we be people who press on, regardless of the challenges we face. Help us to endure with unwavering faith and determination, knowing that You are always with us. As we persevere in our respective areas of influence, may Your transformative power be evident, and Your name be glorified. In the name of Jesus, our ultimate example of perseverance, we pray. Amen.

Family: Heavenly Father, we pray for families to embrace perseverance in their journey together.

May they face challenges with unwavering determination and rely on Your strength to overcome obstacles. Grant families the resilience to 46

endure difficult times, knowing that You are their anchor in the storms of life. Help them to persevere in love, forgiveness, and unity, becoming a source of inspiration to others. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Church: Lord, we lift up the Church and its role in promoting perseverance. Fill Your people with a spirit of endurance and steadfastness in their faith and service. May the Church be a shining example of perseverance to the world, demonstrating Your unfailing love and commitment. Strengthen its members to persevere in prayer, worship, and fulfilling the Great Commission. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Education: Gracious God, we pray for the education system and its pursuit of perseverance.

Inspire educators and students to press on in their pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Grant them the courage to overcome challenges in the learning process, and the determination to excel in their studies. Help teachers to instill a spirit of perseverance in their students, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and growth. In Jesus' name, we pray.

47

Military: Lord, we bring the military before You. Grant those serving in the military the strength to persevere in their duty and service. May they endure the hardships of their roles with courage and resolve, knowing that You are their refuge and fortress. Bless their families with perseverance, providing them with the support and comfort they need during times of separation and uncertainty. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Government: Heavenly Father, we pray for our government and its leaders. Fill them with a spirit of perseverance as they navigate the complexities of governance. Help them to endure in pursuing justice, equality, and the welfare of the people they serve. May they persevere in making wise decisions for the greater good, guided by Your wisdom and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Business: Lord, we pray for the business sector and its pursuit of perseverance. Grant business leaders the strength to overcome challenges and obstacles in their endeavors. Help them to persevere in ethical practices, integrity, and serving their customers with excellence. May businesses be a source of stability and progress in the communities they operate in, bringing positive 48

transformation through perseverance. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Gracious God, we lift up the arts, media, and entertainment industries. Inspire artists, writers, and performers to persevere in their creative pursuits, bringing beauty and inspiration to the world. Help them to overcome discouragement and obstacles in their artistic journeys. May the media and entertainment outlets persevere in promoting positive messages and values, influencing society for the better. In Jesus' name, we pray.

49

Chapter Six: Hope

Death threats were a daily reality for Dr. King. One April night in Memphis he gave a speech that seemed particularly reflective.

“If I were standing at the beginning of time … and the Almighty said to me, “Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in? … I would … say, ‘If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the 20th century, I will be happy.’ … Now that’s a strange statement to make because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around … But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars …”33 Dr. King was martyred the next day, April 4, 1968. He stepped onto the balcony of his hotel room and was struck by an assassin’s bullet. Aides rushed to his side. Dr. King was rushed to the nearest hospital but died an hour later.

Dark Enough to See the Stars

33

“Mar>n Luther King, Jr. ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,’” American Rhetoric, accessed 5/26/23, h/ps://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemo untaintop.htm.

50

Nearly 2,500 years before Dr. King spoke those words in Memphis, there was a Jewish girl whose world was also dark. The Jews were a conquered people, living in exile in the Persian Empire. The king of Persia deposed of his wife and held a contest for a successor. Trafficked away, Esther was brought to the king and made his wife.

Meanwhile, a government official plotted to annihilate the Jews. For Esther to confront her husband about it could mean immediate death. No person was permitted to approach the king without being summoned.

With her life on the line, Esther’s cousin Mordecai asked her this now-famous question: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”34 Esther’s world was “all messed up.” Yet, when the night was at its darkest, Esther saw the stars.

We’re also living in a dark night season. Our world is “all messed up.” Yet, of all the eras in history, God chose for us to be alive right now. Will we focus on the darkness or the stars? Despair or hope? What does it mean as followers of Christ to be people of hope?

34

Esther 4:14

51

A Biblical Definition of Hope To the world, hope has become synonymous with “wishful thinking.” “I hope I get into a certain college,” or, “I hope my presidential candidate wins.” But for Christians, hope is so much more!

Throughout Scripture, the Hebrew and Greek words translated as “hope” mean an “indication of certainty” or a “strong and confident expectation.”35 Implicit within hope is the reality of waiting with expectation. Scripture shows that God’s people put their hope in God to keep his promises.

They hoped for deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

They hoped to return home from exile in Babylon.

They hoped for a Savior, a Messiah. And God came through, every time.

Because the Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, there will someday be a renewal of all things. Until that day, we can continue to move forward because we have hope. Not wishful thinking, but strong and confident expectation that the Living God will come through. Hebrews 6:19 describes this kind of hope as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” During the biggest storms and the darkest nights, hope is our strong and 35

h/ps://bible.org/ar>cle/hope

52

confident expectation that God is with us and His plans will prevail.

Dare to Hope Hope has birthed every human rights movement from Ghandhi’s resistance to apartheid, to Jewish resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto. At times when the night seemed darkest, someone dared to hope. Will we be people who dare to hope?

As followers of Jesus, our hope isn’t theoretical or wishful thinking. The Apostle Paul describes the divine mystery as “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”36 The Holy Spirit lives within us!

God Himself took up residence in you! As Christians, we carry the ultimate hope for all humanity within us! Christ in you is the hope of the world!

Our hope is a certainty that one day the dignity of every man, woman and child will be restored to that which God intended. When we step into another person’s dark night, we become a part of ushering in that “one day” reality. When we give our time and resources to the cause of justice anywhere, we help push out the darkness and 36

Colossians 1:27

53

usher in the Kingdom of God. Dr. King embraced the biblical principles of love, conscience, justice, freedom, perseverance and hope for the good of all humanity. His legacy changed our history.

Will you do the same?

54

Intercessory Prayer Guide – Hope

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 NKJV Let us pray for positive transformation in each area of influence, seeking God's intervention and transformation in matters of hope as it relates to the seven centers of influence.

Father, we thank You for the hope we have in Christ, the hope that is a certainty and a strong and confident expectation. Grant us the courage to dare to hope in the midst of a dark world. Help us to carry Your hope within us and to be agents of hope in every area of influence. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done as we walk in hope. In the name of Jesus, the hope of the world, we pray.

Amen.

Family: Heavenly Father, we pray for families to embrace hope in their lives. Fill their hearts with a strong and confident expectation in Your promises. Help families to anchor their souls in You, knowing that You are with them in the darkest nights. May families become beacons of hope, 55

shining Your light in their relationships and interactions. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Church: Lord, we lift up the Church and its role in promoting hope to the hopeless. Grant pastors and church leaders the wisdom and anointing to instill a deep sense of hope in their congregations. Help us to be a community that embodies the hope of Christ, sharing it with those who are weary and discouraged. May the Church be a source of hope and restoration in a world that desperately needs it. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Education: Gracious God, we pray for the education system and its pursuit of hope. Guide educators and students to embrace a strong and confident expectation in a better future. Help them to foster an environment where hope is nurtured and dreams are encouraged. May education become a vehicle for hope and empowerment, equipping individuals to make a positive impact on the world. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Military: Lord, we bring the military before You. We pray for hope to abound in the hearts of those serving in the military. Fill them with a sense of purpose and a strong and confident expectation 56

that their service matters. Grant them hope in times of uncertainty and courage in the face of danger. We also pray for their families, that they may find comfort and hope in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Government: Heavenly Father, we pray for our our leaders in government. Infuse them with a sense of hope and a strong and confident expectation that they can make a positive difference. Help our leaders to embrace hope as they tackle challenges and seek justice and equality for all. Guide them in making decisions that promote hope and restoration in our nation. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Business: Lord, we pray for the business sector and its pursuit of hope. Inspire business leaders to cultivate a culture of hope within their organizations. Help them to prioritize the wellbeing of their employees and communities, fostering an environment where hope flourishes.

May businesses become agents of positive change and contributors to a brighter future. In Jesus' name, we pray.

57

Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Gracious God, we lift up the arts, media, and entertainment industries. Inspire artists, writers, and performers to use their platforms to promote hope and restoration. Fill their creativity with a strong and confident expectation that their work can make a difference. We pray for media outlets to share stories of hope and resilience, uplifting and inspiring audiences. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Intercessory Prayer Guide provided by the National Day of Prayer Task Force www.nationaldayofprayer.org

58

Experience the Video Bible Study!

Learn more and watch the first video session here: