Personal prayer

A Change Is Gonna Come” – Aretha Franklin

A reminder to hope against hope, even when it seems impossible, and that as bleak as things can seem at times, we have indeed come a long way.

“Our Generation (The Hope of the World)” – John Legend and The Roots

No singular generation will ever put injustice to rest once and for all, yet who but us here and now can change this present situation? Take heart, friends, this contemporary rendition of the 1972 hit is for rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

“Break the Glass” – Superchunk

A rowdy indie rock song for anyone who’s felt they were sounding the alarm and no one was listening. We are living in tough times, but this is what our hands are for.

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” – Gil Scott-Heron

An absolute classic reminding us that now, as then, the growing edges of justice are easy to miss if you’re viewing the whole world through the media lens. Be aware of how your media diet shapes your heart and, especially in times of despair, feel free to take a break. Love is breaking through off camera.

“All You Fascists” – Billy Bragg and Wilco

Another raucous tune, this is a modern cover of a Woodie Guthrie song he played on radio in the 1940s. These struggles are old, but at least we stand with giants.

“I Can’t Breathe” – H.E.R.

Potentially a difficult song for some listeners, I bring this as an example of the work I know I need to do in challenging and expanding my empathy for my neighbors. Justice can only be achieved when we bear witness to suffering.

“He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother” – The Hollies

Rarely has a song so captured that almost magical way that justice work can fill, rather than expend, your heart. There’s a difference between doing the work and being burdened, and the heart of that difference is unselfish love. (Also, if you didn’t know, that’s Elton John on piano!)

“People Get Ready” – The Impressions

When Curtis Mayfield wrote “You don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord,” he was doing the invaluable work of reminding the world that the path of love and justice is open to all. As we struggle against the evils and violence in the world, we must remember that it is invitation that differentiates us from those who seek to divide and conquer.

“Never Quite Free” – The Mountain Goats

A song of faith, a song of hope. Sometimes the struggle gets so hard that we need to see in our hearts and minds a vision of peace somewhere down the road. Even if we don’t know how we get there, the light of hope can still guide us. For myself, I know when I need peace I close my eyes and see the stars of a desert sky.

“This Too Shall Be Made Right” – Derek Webb

To persevere in the face of oppression and destruction requires us to feel several things at once. We must look suffering in the eye and feel it, yet also believe—almost unreasonably—that there is a better way. We must feel our responsibility to work in our time, while at the same time knowing that the full extent of healing our world requires exceeds what any of us can do in a lifetime. This is a song for holding all of that together.