Juneteenth Prayer

The holiday of Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the day in 1865 when the news of emancipation finally reached the furthest plantations in Texas and all enslaved people in American were freed. This is the prayer (with citation below) we shared in church yesterday, and since today is the day that Juneteenth is celebrated as a federal holiday, it seemed a good day to pray it again. You might consider saying it out loud to yourself or breaking it in parts for you and your roommates or family members.

What stands out to you the most in it? What piece might you need to spend some more time thinking about and praying about?

A Prayer For Juneteenth

One: Today, we remember, reflect, and celebrate FREEDOM!

Many: We thank You, O God, today for our freedom in You and remember those for whom freedom was so costly a price to pay.

One: We remember those who were enslaved. We recognize that slavery tried to erase the humanity of so many of Your people – those who were enslaved and those who brutalized and dehumanized others, not realizing the cost for their own souls. Lord, have mercy!

Many: Forgive us, O God. Help us to treat one another as we want to be treated and to recognize that we are all created in Your image and likeness.

One: We reflect on the gift of freedom today and the many ways that the struggle continues.

Many: We lament those who are still treated as less than Your very own.

One: We recommit to fight for freedom and dignity for all of Your people.

Many: Help us, O God, to be courageous in fighting for justice and righteousness for all Your people until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream!

One: Freedom has come and will come again. So we pray for those in cages at our borders, for those locked up in jail cells away from their families, for those who are caught up in human trafficking, for those living without clean water, for those trapped in the bondage of addiction.

God as we celebrate freedom today, help us to continue the fight for freedom until all of Your children are truly free from bondage.

Adapted from prayer of Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, COO, National Council of Churches. Original is here: https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/juneteenth-a-celebration-of-freedom/