# A Prayer for Mercy on Martin Luther King Day
*2015-01-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and offers a prayer asking God’s mercy for the whole world.

## Remembering Dr. King

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today, January 19th, we commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He stood for peace and love, and his fight for justice continues to inspire us.

## A Prayer for Mercy

Let us pray together for God’s mercy on all humanity:

O merciful God, infinite goodness, hear the cry of all mankind from the depths of our suffering. Gracious Father, do not reject the prayers of those who are exiled and in distress. You, whose goodness surpasses our understanding, are ever present with us in our misery.

We know that by our own strength we cannot reach you. We implore your grace to sustain us, that your mercy may increase within us so we may faithfully do your holy will throughout our lives and at the hour of death. Shield us from the enemies of salvation, that we may, as your children, await your final coming with confidence.

We trust in the promises given to us through Jesus, despite our failings. For Jesus is our hope; through his merciful heart we find the open gate that leads to heaven. Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

May God bless you all, and may you experience the peace and love that Dr. King championed.

*May we continually seek God’s mercy, trusting that Christ’s love opens the way to eternal peace.*