Blessing of the “Disrupting the Cradle to Prison Pipeline” Art Station One, By Ndume Olatushani

(All who would choose are invited to move outside for a blessing of the art station)

O God, Whose Merciful Beauty Calls to us throughout Creation Inviting us to wonder and Love We thank you.

Made in your image We too bear the marks of creativity To speak truth and power To the world

Bless this art station and the artist Ndume Olatushani May they Continue to inspire us To be creators of love in the world

Help us to remember those who are in prison Locked up, separated, and marginalized. Help us to break the chains of injustice That criminalize persons of color And keep children from living their fullest lives.

We stand with those passersby who offered these words of commitment To break the chains of injustice by:

Helping marginalized groups Loving, supporting don’t incarcerate Standing up visibly and vocally for my vulnerable neighbors

All: There is no peace without justice.

Being an empowering teacher Continuing to support children to stay in school Helping support youth to live their dreams and stay in school

All: Education Makes Empty Jails

Mentoring a girl at risk Visiting people in immigration detention Having conversations with people who have different perspectives

All: I want Peace!

Educating misrepresented children Calling my Congressperson Loving All of God’s children

All: Truth equals freedom

You are flesh and blood, you deserve to be loved. We all deserve to be home again. God is with you.

Amen.

This prayer was written by Dr. Jessie Smith to bless the Stations of the Cross, station which has been featured at the United Methodist Building this Lenten season. Some of the words in the prayer were written by passersby who were invited to contribute to the art piece.