Shine Upon Us 

Maria W. Stewart (1803–1879), a free-born African American, became a teacher and one of the early abolitionists. She was known for her oratory. In the middle of an 1831 speech called “Religion and the Pure Principles of Morality: The Sure Foundation on Which We Must Build,” she paused for a prayer full of biblical allusions, asking for repentance from hard hearts, and the blessing of God’s face.

“Return again unto us, O, Lord God, we beseech you, and pardon this, the iniquity of thy servants. Cause your face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved. O visit us with your salvation. Raise up sons and daughters unto Abraham, and grant that there might come a mighty shaking of dry bones among us, and a great ingathering of souls. Quicken your professing children. Grant that the young man may be constrained to believe that there is a reality in religion, and a beauty in the fear of the Lord. Have mercy on the benighted sons and daughters of Africa. Grant that we may soon become so distinguished for our moral and religious improvements, that the nations of the earth may take knowledge of us; and grant that our cries may come up before your throne like holy incense. Grant that every daughter of Africa may consecrate her sons to you from the birth. And do you, Lord, bestow upon them wise and understanding hearts. Clothe us with humility of soul, and give us a becoming dignity of manners; may we imitate the character of the meek and lowly Jesus; and do you grant that Ethiopia may soon stretch forth her hands unto you. And now, Lord, be pleased to grant that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; that the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ may be built up; that all nations, and kindreds, and tongues, and people might be brought to the knowledge of the truth, as it is in Jesus, and we at last meet around thy throne, and join in celebrating thy praises.”

Reflection

What did Maria Stewart want from God for her people? Do you recognize Bible passages she draws on besides today’s Bible readings? Can you pray this prayer for a family, group, neighborhood, or nation?