Spirit of Life,
We lift our hearts and intentions to you. As we commemorate this day of freedom for many, let us not forget the enslaved people in states that fought for the Union, who were still waiting for their freedom on this day.
May we remember the atrocities that brought us here. May we honor the courage, fortitude, and strength it took for enslaved Africans to endure these horrors and prevail.
We lift up both those who enslaved and those who were enslaved, as we, their descendants, seek to reconcile our past, live righteously and freely in our present, and protect our future from repeating these histories of oppression.
Ashe, Amen, Blessed Be.