By Curry F. Butler

We Gather Under the Banner of One Testimony

An Opening Prayer Meditation inspired by 1 John 5:9-13

Lord, we gather today under the banner of one testimony. We believe in your Son, Jesus Christ. He is the one you sent through many generations to bring us back into communion with you. It is because of him that we are able to cry out “Abba, Father!” We have access to you and that access is life giving. We have eternal life through Jesus Christ all because we believe. So, Lord, receive our worship; receive our praise. Find pleasure in our offerings, for we will bless you always. In Jesus’ name, we pray . . . AMEN.

God, Help Us!

A Call to Worship, Inspired by John 17:6-19

Leader: Jesus Christ has ascended into the heavens and sits at your right hand
While we are down here laboring doing the best that we can to survive.

People: God help us!

Leader: We are keeping our heads above water,
But (God forgive us) sometimes drowning seems to be an answer.

People: God help us!

Leader: We keep our faith and trust in you in spite of how we are being treated.

People: God help us!

Leader: We are abused, misused, and accused
For this reason, we understand more and more
That this world is not our home
And we are just strangers passing through the night.

People: God help us!

All: God, we are your children, and we need you to help us
So that our feet won’t slip
And our faith won’t waver.
We believe in you and trust in your Holy Word.
Do it God! Do it today!
God help us!

Thank You for the Call to Leadership

A Prayer, inspired by, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

God, we thank you for the call to lead. We thank you for setting us apart for your service. We understand that every day is not going to be Sunday and that we shall face some cloudy days. So, Lord, we come asking for your grace. Give us your grace, so that we can face the hardships and not be overtaken but stand secure knowing that you are with us. Give us the favor of David and the wisdom of Solomon. Let our decisions be favorable in your sight and your people be blessed. It’s in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Thank You!

A Prayer for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today to tell you thank you. You’ve been mighty good to us. You’ve made ways, opened doors, and watched over us. For that, we say, “thank you.” You are indeed a good Father to us. For this reason, we come asking for your protection. Our brothers and sisters are being led like sheep to the slaughter. Our innocent blood is constantly crying from the ground. We are being hunted like prey because of the melanin in our skin and the creativity in our minds. Those who are hired and elected to protect us have forgotten their oaths. I pray that you give charge to your angels to watch over us as we journey through this land, singing as we go, pointing souls to Calvary—to the crimson flow, because many arrows are piercing our souls from without, within. Father, we are asking that you lead us on, because through you, we must win. It is in your Son Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

We Want to Lead Like You

Inspired by Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
May be used as a Call to Worship or as a Response to the Word

Leader: Lord, we stand boldly among the world with the understanding
that as leaders, we are living targets. This is our call.

People: For this reason, we ask for your grace.

Leader: Lord, we take our post understanding that anyone
who cries “Friend, Friend” may very well be a foe.

People: For this reason, we ask for your mercy.

Leader: Just as Jesus was betrayed so that scripture might be fulfilled,
we accept the fact everyone has a role.

People: For this reason, we ask for your discernment.

Leader: As leaders in your kingdom, we are faced with hard situations.

People: For this reason, we ask for your wisdom.

All: Lord, we want to lead like you.

Protect My Boys

A Prayer, Inspired by Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, John 17
Curry F. Butler

May be used as a response to the Gospel Reading or as a Response to the Sermon
Consider a dramatic presentation of this prayer.

Dear Father,

I’m about to go away, and I need to get this off my chest. I have done my best to follow your request and to bring fame to your name. Now I just have one favor to ask . . .

Please protect my boys.

They have kept your word. They know about our family and understand our truth. They actually believe. I’ll be home soon, and I’m leaving them behind.

I just have one favor to ask . . . Please protect my boys.

Like Grandma used to sing, “I’m going home on the morning train.” I really don’t want to stay around because “the evening train may be too late.” I’m on the first cloud out of here. I’m leaving this world behind. I did my best to protect them while I was here in this mean, cruel world where social injustices, public lynchings, and poverty are the name of the game.*

I just have one favor to ask . . . Please protect my boys.

This world doesn’t like them. It hated me! Wrap them in your truth so that they may be sheltered from the manipulation and the bullets of the enemy.

Did I mention . . . I just have one favor to ask . . .

Please protect my boys.

Sincerely,

Your Son, Jesus

*Note: The author’s original version included lyrics from Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” As this prayer is presented, you may choose to add these or other relevant lyrics.

We Go, Without the Presence of Fear

A Sending Inspired by John 17:6-19

Let us go into the world without the presence of fear because we know that the same God who created us is the same God who will walk with us, protecting us from this mean world that we live in.

May We Continue to Press

A Sending, Inspired by Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Let us go out into the world humbled by our call,
Yet bold because of the grace of God.
Let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no.”
And when we miss the mark,
Let us be able to acknowledge our shortcomings and continue to press.