Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Beginning in Galveston Texas in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States. Juneteenth is a time for reflection and rejoicing. In cities and towns across the United States people of all heritages and religions join in truthfully acknowledging a period in U.S. history that shaped and continues to impact this country today.
Let us today join in this prayer so we can remember the injustices of the past, the continued healing needed, and the call for greater equity among all people.
A Commemoration
Today, we commemorate the end of slavery in America.
This day partially reminds us of the progress made.
This day also partially reminds us of the progress we have not made.
We celebrate the freedom of Black lives in our nation.
We grieve that we have not correctly reconciled racism in our nation.
You created each person in Your image.
The two greatest commandments call us to love You with all our heart, souls, and minds;
Then, to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Your love for us motivates us to love each other.
If we do not love each other, then ultimately, we have not experienced Your love.
As much as we commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth, we grieve this day.
We mourn that our black brothers and sisters have not been loved as our neighbors.
We mourn that our black brothers and sisters have been treated less than created in Your image throughout history.
So, Lord, we confess our sins and repent.
The healing and reconciliation we desire comes from the gospel.
On Juneteenth 2022, we ask You to guide our nation.
May the good news of the gospel motivate us to love each other.
May the ideals of our words match the practices of our lives.
May a fresh empowerment of Your Spirit unite us together.
Give us eyes to see and ears to hear with truthful hearts.
Peter Englert