forty years ago today

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr., was gunned down while in Memphis supporting a sanitation workers strike. For those interested in learning more about him, the best books on his life are the three part series by Taylor Branch, "Parting the Waters" [1954-1963] (which my Uncle Leo McCabe gave me and which I lost in the flood), Pillar of Fire [1963-1965], and At Canaan's Edge [1965-1968]. I have only read the first, which is a lengthy work by itself. A much shorter, and more personal account, is "The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr." edited by Clayborne Carson.

I will simply include some prayers in remembrance.

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last; Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

God of our forebears and our God, who has summoned women and men throughout the ages to be thy witnesses and sometimes martyrs for thee, we bow before thee this day in remembrance and thanksgiving for the life and legacy of thy servant, witness and martyr, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We thank thee for his time among us, for his words and for his deeds, and for the quality of his living witness which eases the pain of recalling the brevity of his years. We rejoice in his example of obedient faith and the scenes and stations of his life which inform and enrich our own faith journeys. And we beseech thee this day for the strength, steadfastness and courage not only to remember but also to obey. ( Dr. Randolph Nugent, United Methodist Church - found at Beliefnet.com)

O Guardian of Israel,
Our shelter and shade,
Stir up in us that flame of justice
That Jesus incited on this earth,
That rages in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

O arouse in us
That very flame of righteousness
That enticed Martin
To be a living sacrifice of praise,
To seek freedom for all God's children.

O to you, God, ever faithful and true,
Be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

(Attributed to J. Glenn Murray, SJ - found at beliefnet.com)