Building Bridges: Community Heritage and Prayer Pilgrimage

Building Bridges

Community Heritage Prayer Pilgrimage

*Images throughout this booklet are courtesy of the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society plaques that mark each spot along the Heritage Tour.

Special thanks to Emma Worrall for putting together this prayer pilgrimage.

QUESTIONS AND PRAYERS (00) Beforehand

Leader: O Holy Spirit, the tonic for toxicity and the repairer of fragility, we beseech thee for a radically humble and contrite spirit with which to approach cross-cultural encounter.

People: Reveal our privilege, unconscious bias, and blind spots to us, and make us heartbroken at the ways in which they are evidences of a broken world. Give us capacity to engage new perspectives, receptiveness to rebuke, resources with which to educate ourselves, and resolution to become better allies through the sanctifying work of your Savior Jesus Christ.

Leader: God Who Mends, You demand of us not merely justice, but repair.

People: We have reduced reconciliation to niceties and friendship out of fear for what it might actually cost us. Expose us, Lord. So that we can be people of repair - people attuned to rubble left by our histories, and with a sacred imagination for how we might bring restoration in our country, cities, and neighborhoods.

Leader: God of Story, Help us to examine our histories with the courage to name our place in the story, reckoning with a whiteness desperate to believe in its heroism.

People: Let us remember that it doesn’t merely matter that a story is told, but who gets to tell it. We remember and we’ll say so. Let the scales fall from the eyes of our histories.

Leader: Fierce God, Would you, who overturned tables and cursed the fig tree, remind us that your character includes disruption? Would you release us from the bondage of complacency.

People: And grant us spirits marked by courage and belief in the dignity of humans and all of creation, knowing when to make trouble in defense of the kingdom of God and its approaching shalom. Let ours be a holy mischief, alongside Jesus Christ our Savior, with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Adapted from Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley; and Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes p. 72)

1

MAP

2

(01) Albert Hinds Plaza Points to Ponder: Imagine the conversations that Albert Hinds overheard - how much did he learn? Whose shoes did he shine and what wisdom did he gain?

How would Hinds have been able to minister to others in his work?

How often do we overlook the people in our paths?

Prayer: God of intercession, We thank you for the ways in which you break through even the tightest barriers.

We see the ways in which you break through stories and patterns of despair to offer hope and redemption. We know you are El-Roi - the God who sees. Forgive us for the ways we have contributed to these barriers, and help us to be bearers of this breaking through alongside you, for the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 19, 2022)

3

(02) Griggs Corner Points to ponder: What dangers would he have faced?

How much have restaurants such as this contributed to our society?

Prayer: Jesus Christ - the Rebel with a Cause We praise you for the rebels in our midst who have fought for equality and justice.

We thank you for their contributions, to our society, that have allowed all to benefit. Forgive us for the ways we do not recognize their sacrifices. May we learn from their endurance, their perseverance, and their callings that they did not falter from. May we also be rebels with a cause, alongside our Mother, and with the perseverance of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 19, 2022)

4

(03) Paul Robenson Place Points to Ponder: How would it feel to have such a divisive border such as this?

How can we see the affects of this border today?

How do away with these perimeters of race, class, and socioeconomic status that currently exists?

Prayer: God of perimeters, Indeed you go to the far ends of our societies to find your people. We confess we neglect those beyond our hedges and contrive worth based on the utility of a person instead of the inherent dignity of a person. Today, let us encounter those who have had status revoked or diminished and meet them with sacred welcome, dismantling those systems which perpetually push the most vulnerable and oppressed to the fringes. Walk with us to the hedges.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - July 30, 2020)

5

(04) First Baptist Church of Princeton Points to Ponder: What contributions might this church have made to the community that might not be recognizable today, but we can follow the threads back?

Prayer: God of the multitude, We praise you for being a God who contains a diversity of personhood in one. In your very being you possess a sacred community where each part is distinct and beautiful and necessary. Let us model our own communities after this. That we would no longer be content with the bland flavor of sameness. That we would no longer use language of unity and oneness as a veil for the suppression of voice, body, and culture. Be near to those who have offered up the particularity of their stories to bring about restoration, only to be met with accusations of divisiveness or unkindness. Lord, let our kindness be marked by telling the truth. And if division follows, let it be for our own protection. That you might lead us into spaces that see and honor that we are not the same. And it is very good.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - August 18, 2020)

6

(05) Dorothea’s House Points to Ponder: It was not just Black people who were discriminated against, but others as well.

How can we be safe havens for those who feel under attack?

Prayer: O Christ, who took a motley mix of minoritized peoples and made them a priestly kingdom over against earthly empire, strengthen those who are fighting antiBlackness within their own minoritized communities. Save us from the zero-sum mindset which compounds the scarcity that whiteness creates; show us how our flourishing is mutually dependent and reinforcing. When it feels like we’re fighting on multiple fronts, give us grace and rest, yet also resolve to trust that our every transfusion into Black veins restores the life of the whole body, whose heart is the Holy Spirit, who reigns with thee and our Father, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(From Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes “For Non-Black POC Fighting Anti-Black Racism Within Their Communities” p. 97)

7

(06) Mr. Ball’s Candy Store Points to Ponder: What contributions did this small store make to the community?

Think of the joy candy brought you as a child. In a time when people were facing so much animosity, this shop brought joy and humanity to those who were told otherwise.

Prayer: O God of Lydia the merchant, Priscilla the tentmaker, and Peter the fisherman, we thank you for the small businesses that contributed to our communities and are embedded in the very fabrics of our community’s culture. We thank you for the ways they have sustained our ancestors and sustain us. We praise you for the joy they have brought to our lives. We pray thy blessing upon small businesses. Give their owners the capital, strategy, publicity, and team they need to thrive. Help us to prioritize them in our consumption and political action. Use their services and products to solve problems and meet felt needs, and let them contribute to the culture and pride of their communities. In setbacks, protect and revive their dreams. And govern our economic lives in the positive-sum game of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Adapted From Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes - “For Small Businesses” p. 106)

8

(07) Witherspoon School for Colored Children Points to Ponder: Imagine the limited resources they had, but they continued to educate children.

Imagine the innovation needed.

Prayer: O Wonderful Counselor, we commend unto thee all educators who have empowered and kept their hearts to empowering young people. We praise you for those who understand the importance and power of education, and who, despite animosity, persevered to educate further generations. For current educators, bless them one hundredfold for their heart and commitment to empowering young people. For every late night and early morning spent lessonplanning, grading, or going the extra mile, restore unto them time and rest. Make students intellectually curious and respectful. Make parents cooperative, and administration supportive. Bring about the political change whereby they might be much better compensated. And lead us into deeper knowledge of ourselves, our world, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, in wisdom everlasting. Amen.

(Adapted From Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes - “For Educators” p. 107)

9

(08) Jimmy Mack’s Barber Shop Points to Ponder: What influential people had their hair done here?

Imagine the ways in which this shop helped maintain the Black culture and sense of community.

Prayer: O God who has counted all the hairs on our heads, we praise you for those entrusted with caring for crowns of glory. We praise you for the barbershop, be they sanctuaries, spas, and cultural watering holes. For those who made others look good, leading to their feeling good, and then their doing good for the kingdom, we thank you. For your work for your kingdom done, just with starting at the barbershop, we lift them up. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Adapted From Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes “For Before Getting One’s Hair Cut” p. 70-71)

10

(09) Masonic Temple Points to Ponder: It seems interesting that these Black men - who had been literally and figuratively pushed to the margins of society - would be so welcoming of people from different faiths. Masonics are groups of people who believe in a God and doing good to help others.

Do you think that their ostracization made them more accepting to collaborate with others who were seeking to serve their God and help the community?

Prayer: God of Unity and Harmony, We thank you for those who have come together to bring love and kindness to communities that seemed to lack acceptance. May we learn from those who have gone before us on how to work with our siblings of other faiths to be bearers of change, love, and justice, through Jesus Christ our Lord, and with the breath of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 19, 2022)

11

(10) Charcoal Inn Points to Ponder: How could this inn have served as a way for Black men to feel as though they are part of humanity?

Imagine all the good that came out of this social club - the ways that these men supported their community, when the rest of society pushed the Black community to the side.

Prayer: God of life and community - we thank you for the seemingly mundane ways in which we find humanity within ourselves. We thank you for the communities that we can gather in where we can find solidarity. We thank you for Black men - for the ways they bring story and perspective into our communities. God, all too often, we are controlled by our own biases from things we have learned throughout our lives. Black men fit a profile that brings about anxiety and warriness. Lord, come and strike these biases away. God, we know that Black men are disproportionately incarcerated compared to other races. The systems they are forced into force them into this life, or they are wrongly accused. Society seems to give leniency to others, while seemingly holding their tightest restrictions for Black men. Lord, grant us courage to speak out. And God, may all Black men know that they are wonderfully made by You, our Creator. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 20, 2022)

12

(11) Mary B. Moss Playground Points to Ponder: Think of all the sacrifices Black women have made for all.

Black women have beared the burden of society for too long. Now it is time for us to step in and help make their burdens lighter. We will walk together.

Prayer: God who listens for every voice, we thank you for pouring out giftings and endurance on Black women. Theirs is a sacrifice we do not deserve but benefit from daily. Help us to honor those who mobilize and strategize and pray for liberation, those who are seen and those who will never be seen or acknowledged in the way they should. Sustain Black women, God. That before labor they would allow themselves as much rest as everyone else gets. Prepare a table for them, God. That they would eat and finally be filled with their portion, that they wouldn’t have to worry who is coming to colonize their seats and steal nourishment from their lips. Let them recline. And only out of deeply rested spirits, would you go with them in pursuit of dignity and justice, knowing the freedom of the world is wrapped up in theirs. Help us to be allies - to fight for their rest so that they know they are not alone. We will bear the burden with them. Amen.

(Adapted from Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - January 6, 2021)

13

(12) Charles Robinson American Legion Points to Ponder: What are some ways you think this group contributed to the community in a way we benefit from now?

Oftentimes people of color were forced or coerced into fighting for the U.S. military. Imagine what it would have been like to fight for a country that did not see you as someone worthy of what our country stands for. How do you think you would’ve endured?

Prayer: God of Liberation, we know that Black men have often been forced to fight for a country that never granted them the liberties they deserved. We thank you for their service, for their sacrifices that are too often glorified and quickly forgotten.

We ask that equity will reign down - that Black men will be recognized for all they have done to make our society what it is. We ask that Black men will know that they are fully known and fully loved by You. And God, may we also see this inherent worth within Black men. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 20, 2022)

14

(13) Lonnie Barclay and Andrew Teague’s Ice and Wood Plant Points to Ponder: Imagine how local businesses would have failed without these basics that helped people survive during the coldest months, and who helped businesses thrive.

Where can we find these businesses and individuals now who make our society function the way it is - who allow us to have our lifestyles?

How can we urge for their work to be better compensated and equitable?

Prayer: Holy Spirt, you who moves in ways we cannot see, blow your breath in order to clear our eyes - that we may see all the ways others have helped our society flourish. Help us to see the ways that those who are pushed to the margins are not actually far away, but are the hearts of our daily lives - those who are willing to do the work we are unwilling to do. We thank you for the ways they make our societies function, but we pray that your tongue of fire will fall on the heads of those in positions of power in order to make equitable compensation and recognition. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 19, 2022)

15

(14) Doris Burrell’s Beauty Salon and Frederick Burrell's Florist Shop Points to Ponder: The Burrells, along with many others in the community, helped to provide nearly all of the basic, and no so basic, services for the community. A Witherspoon-Jackson resident wouldn't need to go beyond the community boundaries for much if they didn't want to.

Have you lived in a self-contained community? Can you imagine it? What do you think it meant to the people of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood?

What has been lost as the neighborhood has changed?

Prayer: O Christ, who fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty, melt down and reshape our economy. Conquer the powers of exploitation, privilege, and resentment which rule us now, and as righteous victor plunder the stolen and hoarded wealth of corporations, Wall Street, the rich, and the systems that prop them up. Pour all of it into reparations, fair trade, workers’ rights, healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure, and other social programs determined by our communities themselves. For thou art the Way out of economic death into abundant life, reigning with our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes - “For Economic Justice” p. 81)

16

(15) Neighborhood Stores Points to Ponder: The beautiful thing about this street is that it reflects 1 Corinthians 12 - we are all one body with many parts. One cannot function without the other. Through the neighborhood stores, there was not only representation for each culture, but also a way for them to provide different needs for each other.

Prayer: God of mosaic - We have seen how you can take pieces that seem as though they do not fit together, and create a beautiful masterpiece. Thank you for the different components we bring that make our community whole. In this, we pray for unification. We pray for the division in our country, and especially in our community. Help us to actively seek out ways to support each other, rather than staying in our comfort zones of homogeneity. In the name of Jesus Christ, who saw the beauty in all, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 27, 2022)

17

(16) Princeton Nursery School Points to Ponder: Black women were often forced to be surrogates in every sense of the word.

They were surrogates by carrying white women’s children, in taking the role of “mother” for white families, but also surrogates of abuse and exploitation.

Where can we see these surrogate roles today?

Prayer: Christ who called upon children, we thank you for the ways women have exemplified your work - for those who heard your call of “let the children come to me, and do not hinder them.” We see how those who led schools were not just caregivers, but helped teach their students basic skills - who were mothers to children and were forced to be mothers for others. And God, we see how these women still exist. We thank you for the bonds they hold, the despair when these bonds are severed, and for the sacrifices they make in order to love. May we continue to see these women, and may we fight for systems in which these women are treated with dignity and respect. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 19, 2022)

18

(17) Houses Moved from Baker Street to Build Palmer Square Points to Ponder: Think of all the gentrification that is happening throughout the U.S. now.

People are pushed from their ancestral homes in the name of “modernity” and increasing the value of the neighborhood. In some areas, families are offered $100,000 for their departure.

How much is lost in doing this? How much history, how much community, how many resources?

What seems to be the commodity here? Is it worth it?

Prayer: O Holy Spirit - the fire shut up in our bones, bestowing prophetic utterance out of the overflow of overwhelmed hearts - awaken us! Let the cries of our siblings’ blood rise from the earth in a whirlwind, catching us up in divine fury. Reveal to us, and divest us from, the deeply evil narratives and systems which underpin our collective life. Let thy word filter the ideas, images, and experiences through which we are destabilized, reeducated, and re-formed as those who are ready to be led in a radical exodus by our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with thee our Father, one God in power made perfect by love. Amen.

(Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes - “For Us to be Radicalized” p. 84)

19

(18) Elk’s Home - Lodge 178 Points to Ponder: We’ve all heard of Elk’s Lodges. What is it that comes to mind when you think of Elk’s Lodge? Older white men who help the community.

If these individuals were pushed to the margins, how might they have been there for each other?

Prayer: God of community - You who designed so that we would not live this life alone, we thank you for the community organizations that made life less isolating. We praise you for the people in our lives who are working toward the same missions.

We thank you for the contributions of organizations who brought about social change, even though they were pushed down. Thank you for the changes they brought - changes that we benefit from. May you bring to light those often forgotten by the greater society. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 19, 2022)

20

(19) Morning Star Church of God in Christ Points to Ponder: Consider the term, “Morning Star.” Though we know it is the planet Venus, a morning star shines the brightest right before a sunrise. It is the most visible “star.”

What does this say about what this church was trying to accomplish or portray? Think about the implications of the term “Morning Star.”

Prayer: O God of the stars - You who taught the sun and the stars to shine, you also created us. You made each person in your image. We are often taught that darkness is equated with bad or unsafeness and that light is good. And yet, here we see that darkness is a place of hope, safety, and sacredness. Help us to hold fast that you are a God of darkness - a God that provides hope, safety, and that you are a God who holds all as sacred worth. Help us to open our hearts to see your image reflected in our Black siblings - so that we might learn more about who You are and Your character. We pray in Jesus’ name, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 27, 2022)

21

(20) First Witherspoon School for Colored Children Points to Ponder: Often, parents want to protect their children from harm. Sometimes, that is not possible. Sometimes, a child’s youth is stolen too early. Young Black children are not allowed to wear hoods, they are not allowed to play with toy guns, and even going for a bike ride is dangerous. Think of your childhood and all you were able to do as a child. These are things that are part of some of our childhoods…but could be a matter of life and death for others.

What steps can we take to protect all children?

Prayer: O Christ, whose kingdom belongs to the children and childlike, restore the youth stolen from Black and brown kids in racist America. Heal the developmental, generational, and genetic trauma caused by both the overt and the subtler violence of anti-Blackness. Be a refuge for parents as they seek to be such for their children, and fortify their family systems and their communities’ cohesion.

Make white youths’ formation anti-racist. And let what our young people inherit from us be a new society; new life birthed and nurtured by our Mother who reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes “For Youths Navigating and Resisting Racism” p. 82)

22

(21) Entrance to the Colored Cemetery Point to Ponder: All the people wrongfully killed who are buried here Why did they need to be buried in another section?

Represent people who are loved.

What wisdom did they hold?

What did they do for our community that made it what it is today?

Prayer: God of Hagar, Help us to never forget that you are a God who always calls Hagar, an enslaved woman of color by name. That you see her and her offspring and remain near to them reminds us that you are not a God of neglect but of tenderness and care.

Would you meet our darkest moments with miracle? Allowing us to encounter you as listener and friend when we feel most alone. And would you bring comfort to those mothers who weep for their children. Comfort those whose hope is waning as they journey from stories of oppression, alienation, or abuse. Secure our stories and histories to include those who we are tempted to forget, that we might find you not only with the Abrahams and Isaacs but with the Hagars and Ishmaels of the world. Hear our cries and show us the well. Amen.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - September 6, 2020)

23

(22) Mt. Pisgah AME Church Point to Ponder: What possible outreach could the church have done?

How did members of this church continue to pass along God’s messages?

Prayer: God of truth and wisdom, we realize how impressionable Scripture is - that it is so easily twisted to benefit the oppressor. Your Words have been defiled in order to uplift some, and dehumanize others. We thank You for Your Black disciples that You have spoken through - those who have refocused our thoughts. We thank You for these brave individuals and communities that refused to let the oppressor have the final word. They studied and prayed and searched, even when society was against them, even when faced with danger. They held onto Your truth, and passed on Your message of belonging and belovedness. God, may we continue to walk alongside You and learn from our Black siblings so that we may never let others feel like they do not belong in Your kingdom. We ask you this, along with Christ Jesus who saves us, and the Holy Spirit that sustains us - one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Emma Worrall, April 20, 2022)

24

(23) Pearl Moore Allen’s Tavern Points to Ponder: Often, Black women face the most pressure from society. They are expected to be everything for everyone. Black women are asked to be caretakers, professionals, they must put on facades that make them “acceptable” to society, and must work extra hard just to gain access to opportunities, without the guarantee of such access.

How can we stand with Black women? How can we help create spaces where Black women can take a breath and just be a human - without extra expectations?

Prayer: God of the Black woman, We call on your protection. Release Black women from that fear which so easily entangles. We thank you for the ways Black women have given humanity back to others. We pray that you guard them from danger. We pray that when others look on them, that they would be freed from the evil whispers that drive them and instead learn to gaze at their glory. Guide us to be a community which sees them in the fullness of their humanity; and help them to walk in the knowledge of their own dignity. Free them from the lie that their dignity must be proven, but let the truth of it hold them like the warmth of the wombs that formed them. Amen.

(Adapted from Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - March 8, 2022)

25

(24) Witherspoon St. Presbyterian Church Points to Ponder: It’s jolting. One of the staples of our community - Nassau Presbyterian - once kicked out a bunch of Black members of their church. Why? Because of the color of their skin.

Yet, these Black Christian leaders did not give up. They persevered and started their own churches.

We see this a lot in history - the perseverance of Black Christian leaders. These are not the Christians we learn about, though. They are often talked about in an “activist” setting, but not for what they truly were - Christian disciples.

How can we as a Church reframe our discussions? How can we reframe the way we talk about our history and the history of various Black Disciples?

Prayer: O God of Rosa, Fannie, and Coretta, we commend to thee all organizers and activists. Champion those who envision and pursue a just society. Anoint them with a double portion of the spirit of the prophets whose mantle they wear.

Sustain the clarity of their vision, the power of their communities, their resources, and the longevity of their political and structural accomplishments. Give them courage to speak truth to power, endurance for the struggle, and space for rest and self-care. And make their work a foretaste of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with our Mother and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Amen.

(Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes - “For Organizer and Activists” p. 111)

26

(25) Paul Robeson House Points to Ponder: Often times, lynchings are equated with hangings, which is not false.

The definition of “lynching” is actually - “(of a mob) kill (someone) for an alleged offense, with or without a legal trial.”

Though we often assume lynchings have ended, based on this new definition, how might modern lynchings look?

Prayer: O Christ, enthroned on the seat of judgment, enraged by the abominations of racism and murder - we cry out with inflamed tongues and pierced hearts - save us! Is there no respite from the gaze which sees Black life as unworthy, from the hands that discard our lives, from the entrenched sins of a nation, from the evil built into our very psyche? Will they visit upon the thousandth generation?

Maranatha, Lord! Let thine anger burn hot to bring a reckoning upon this anathema, and justice upon all who with contempt snuff out the lives of those who are unspeakably loved by our Father, who reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, to make all things right. Amen.

(Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes - “For After a Lynching” p. 83)

27

(26) Robeson Family House Points to Ponder: If Jesus were here today, what do you think would cause Jesus to flip over tables?

Where do you see areas in which we can call out injustices in this community?

Prayer: God of decency, That evil which benefits us will always be tempting. We are tempted by security, status, image, greed, and inclusion each day. We confess we make little compromises to what we believe to be true and right, convincing our souls that we will compensate in other ways. Lord, grant us that same stability of heart and selfhood that you possessed in the desert. That we would meet the allure of systemic injustices and oppression and unhealthy distributions of power with a blunt refusal to be compromised. Restore to us an integrity held by a God who didn’t politely ask how much the tables cost before flipping them. Amplify those voices who are willing to blow the whistle, to tell the truth despite the cost, knowing that the image of God is worthy of a costly protection. Amen.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - September 18, 2020)

28

(27) Witherspoon YW/YMCA Points to Ponder: When we think of colonizers, we often think of colonists who first came to the Americas, and we think of those who colonized Africa. Yet, we do not often see how colonization still exists.

Neocolonialism is “the use of economic, political, cultural, or other pressures to control or influence [others].” How do we see this in our current systems?

Prayer: God of Shalom, Forgive us. We confess that even now, we are sometimes the hands and feet of the colonizers who came before us. Have mercy on those whose connection to the land is more ancient and mysterious than what we comprehend. Our histories are wrapped up in each other and it is hard to pay attention and tell the truth about the damage still being done to all of us because of an ethic of whiteness. Help us to become protectors, that we would see the land and those it holds, and seek to bring honor and shalom instead of death and domination. Restore us, Lord, that we might listen and learn that we are pragmatically and mysteriously ever-entwined - soul to soul, soul to land. And let the sacred lace that binds us together, in great paradox, be our freedom. Amen.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - October 12, 2020)

29

(28) William “Sport” Moore Used Clothing and Antique Stores Points to Ponder: Being lukewarm is choosing to stay in the middle where it is safe. How might we step out against things that are clearly wrong?

Prayer: God who chose sides, Forgive us for idolizing the lukewarm of the middle. We wear it as our own brand of superiority, believing it makes us virtuous and rational and above the fight. But Lord, help us to remember there are those things worth fighting for - that you are a God who does not only hold peace but division. That you entered the world and showed us what a just and loving choice and protest look like. Grant us that wisdom which allows us to perceive when our desire to not choose sides is rooted more in fear than it is justice or righteousness. Let those of us who have been trained to think the middle is holy ground, find you as we gain the courage to walk away. And as we do so, help us to not become enslaved to any new position or stance, that our lives, bodies, and choices would ever-align with what we believe to be true and good and beautiful. Move our souls in the holy integrity of you. Amen.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - December 12, 2020)

23

(29) The Citizen Points to Ponder: In 1839, Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote, “the pen is mightier than the sword” meaning, the written word is more effective as a tool for communicating a point. We think of our amendments, which clearly state “The freedom of speech.” And yet, this “freedom” was also life threatening. It seems as if the freedom of speech was only free if it helped bolster the ways of oppression.

When people speak out against oppression, though, then it becomes an attack on freedom…

Think of all of those who have risked their lives in order to unveil the truth.

Prayer: God of story, Let us remember. Help us to remember the miracles you have worked for us. As we stand in the chasm of transition, let us grasp and honor the stories that came before us; that we would sit at the feet of our elders and ancestors knowing that our story is wrapped up in theirs. That our calling is entwined with theirs. We know the hope of today rests on the stories of old. Every insult, alienation, rejection, intimidation. Every trafficked body, murder, and abuse.

Every dark fleshed woman demanded and excluded; and how you met them and worked miracles of embrace, healing, liberation, and empowerment. Help us to remember the names, faces, emotions of our present story, that we would carry them to the children in our midst. That we would become sacred Bearers of the Story. And the coming generation would behold the glories of our age and find their own belief. Let us remember. And let our memory hold us. Amen.

(Black Liturgies Instagram - Cole Arthur Riley - November 8, 2020)

24

(30) Ending O God of the remnant, who breaks down and builds up again, we need to be reborn. Send the angel of death to slay the systems and institutions which drain and destroy our lives - not least an economy which sacrifices us on the altar of profit, and a culture which sacrifices Black and Brown bodies on the altar of white supremacy. Burn them down, O Consuming Fire, and gather together a people who are led by thy Spirit to build new and equitable systems out of the rubble.

O Holy Spirit - the fire shut up in our bones, bestowing prophetic utterance out of the overflow of overwhelmed hearts - awaken us! Let the cries of our siblings’ blood rise from the earth in a whirlwind, catching us up in divine fury. Reveal to us, and divest us from, the deeply evil narratives and systems which underpin our collective life. Let thy word filter the ideas, images, and experiences through which we are destabilized, reeducated, and re-formed as those who are ready to be led in a radical exodus by our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with thee our Father, one God in power made perfect by love. Amen.

(Prayers of the People by Terry Stokes “For Big Structural Change” and “For Us to be Radicalized” p. 84)

25