Pray on MLK is not about putting on a show or an event, this is about God moving among people.
Pray on MLK is a two-hour, nationwide prayer and worship event on Saturday, August 8,
located along every Martin Luther King Jr. street or memorial in the United States (and around the world).
We believe that the Church has the solution to the racial tension in the U.S. and across the globe.
To put feet to our faith, we are forming multi-cultural human prayer chains across the world.
Imagine a day where over a thousand separate groups across the world unite with one voice, one prayer request, before one King.
We believe the reverberations of this unified moment of supplication and worship will be felt for years to come.
As people of faith take their place on the walls of history, we hear the chains of injustice breaking. It’s time to turn our tears into triumph, our weeping into worship, and leap forward into a new era of righteousness in the united pursuit of God’s dream for all people.
Pray on MLK is a two-hour, nationwide prayer and worship event on Saturday, August 8,
located along every Martin Luther King Jr. street or memorial in the United States (and around the world).
We believe that the Church has the solution to the racial tension in the U.S. and across the globe.
To put feet to our faith, we are forming multi-cultural human prayer chains across the world.
Imagine a day where over a thousand separate groups across the world unite with one voice, one prayer request, before one King.
We believe the reverberations of this unified moment of supplication and worship will be felt for years to come.
As people of faith take their place on the walls of history, we hear the chains of injustice breaking. It’s time to turn our tears into triumph, our weeping into worship, and leap forward into a new era of righteousness in the united pursuit of God’s dream for all people.
Schedule:
5:30 P.M. - 5:45 P.M. - Get in Position
6:01 P.M. – 7:01 P.M. – Silent Prayer Protest (The Wall)
7:01 P.M. – 8:01 P.M. – Hopeful Proclamation and Worship
Location:
Martin Luther King Drive near S. New Braunfels Ave.
1. Park using legal street parking or at the public Pittman-Sullivan park
2. All prayer prompts and instructions will be posted at: www.prayonmlksa.com/now
If Needed, walk by the Resource HUB in the parking lot of Pittman Sullivan park (next to St. Gerard HS)
We will have some water, limited printed prayer cards, white duct tape and sharpies
3. Begin the multi-cultural human prayer wall @MLK & S. New Braunfels
4. Extend the wall down the MLK sidewalk as far as needed (and into the side streets if necessary)
5:30 P.M. - 5:45 P.M. - Get in Position
6:01 P.M. – 7:01 P.M. – Silent Prayer Protest (The Wall)
7:01 P.M. – 8:01 P.M. – Hopeful Proclamation and Worship
Location:
Martin Luther King Drive near S. New Braunfels Ave.
1. Park using legal street parking or at the public Pittman-Sullivan park
2. All prayer prompts and instructions will be posted at: www.prayonmlksa.com/now
If Needed, walk by the Resource HUB in the parking lot of Pittman Sullivan park (next to St. Gerard HS)
We will have some water, limited printed prayer cards, white duct tape and sharpies
3. Begin the multi-cultural human prayer wall @MLK & S. New Braunfels
4. Extend the wall down the MLK sidewalk as far as needed (and into the side streets if necessary)
FAQs <from PRAYONMLK.org>
What is Pray on MLK?
Pray on MLK is an example of holy activism— a two hour, nationwide prayer and worship protest located along every Martin Luther King Jr. street or memorial in the United States (and around the world). During this gathering for the first hour, people stand side by side, socially distanced, along a sidewalk with white tape over their mouths or over their face masks. People choose a one word prayer focus they write on their piece of tape. The goal is to turn every Martin Luther King Jr. street into an altar of prayer, where justice would roll like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.
After the silent prayer portion of the gathering is finished, we encourage participants to transition into a time of worship for the second hour. This hour could either be simple, a cappella worship led by a few individuals or by an entire worship ensemble. Each field director can organize the worship portion of the time as they feel led by the Holy Spirit. The goal is to enthrone our beautiful Savior in our praise! When He comes, He changes everything!
How do I participate?
Arrive before 6:01 PM on August 8, 2020.
The main expression of Pray on MLK is to stand in quiet or silent prayer, 6 feet apart, creating a prayer chain in a single line on the sidewalk.
How does COVID-19 affect the event?Please do not attend if you are feeling sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Follow social distancing guidelines by keeping a distance of at least 6 feet, wear your mask or face-covering at all times, and use hand sanitizer before you come and when you leave.
Why are people wearing masks or tape with handwriting over their mouths?
While our voices are silent in the protest, our prayers are still being heard in heaven. In Isaiah 6, the prophet beholds the Lord of glory and realizes that he is a man of unclean lips and he lives among a people of unclean lips. The white tape symbolizes God’s purification of our lips and our hearts. The tape also allows us to protest in solidarity with those whose voices have been silenced due to acts of injustice
Will the event be rescheduled if there is rain?
Pray on MLK will happen rain or shine. Please come prepared for any type of weather.
Do I need to signup?
We strongly recommend signing up so that organizers know how many people to expect and so that you are made aware in case of any changes arise (weather plans, etc). Sign up to attend here.
What should I do if people begin to protest Pray on MLK near me?
Pray on MLK is a peaceful, silent, prayer demonstration. We recommend assigning certain people to answer questions from passersby. PLEASE NOTE: Though we encourage open dialogue with those who may disagree with what we are standing for, we also acknowledge that emotions are running high during this time. We ask that you refrain from communication that you foresee becoming belligerent or engaging in conversations that go against the spirit of Pray on MLK.
What if there is no MLK street near me?
Choose an “altar of pain” (a place of historic tragedy or division) in your city and do your silent prayer protest there.
What if there is more than one MLK street in my city?
If you have enough people to cover multiple streets, then go ahead. If you only have enough people to cover one street, ask the Lord to show you which street would be best for your demonstration. We recommend one with high visibility or is an “altar of pain.”
What is the best way to share this event?
Use #prayonmlk in your posts along with #jesusisjustice and #civilrighteousness.
You can also download images for social from our resources pack at prayonmlk.org.
Where should I park?
Anywhere on MLK or intersecting streets, or local public parks that legally allow you to park.
Please be respectful of businesses and homes and abide by the instructions on parking signs.
I am a church leader, how can I get our community involved?
We highly encourage communities to organize and get involved together as a group. Choose a section of MLK in your city or city nearby that can accommodate your group size. We recommend reaching out to other pastors and leaders in your community and inviting their congregations to participate. Having demonstrations that encompass many different ministries is powerful and a stunning example Christ-centered unity. (Remember that according to John 17:23, “oneness” in Christ can serve as a catalyst for harvest!).
Does it cost?
No. Pray on MLK is a free event, but we ask that you register so that hosts can properly plan, including resources, social distancing, etc.
What is the significance of doing this on an MLK street?
Many cities across the United States (and the world) have renamed streets with Dr. King’s name in order to honor his memory and the incredible impact of his Civil Rights work. However, many of these same roads have been affected by racism, poverty, and crime. We believe God wants to redeem these roads and cause them to become a national representation of His “highway of holiness,” a sign and a wonder of both economic and spiritual renewal.
What is the significance of 8/8?
August 8, 1968 in Chicago, the first street was named after Martin Luther King Jr.
What is Pray on MLK?
Pray on MLK is an example of holy activism— a two hour, nationwide prayer and worship protest located along every Martin Luther King Jr. street or memorial in the United States (and around the world). During this gathering for the first hour, people stand side by side, socially distanced, along a sidewalk with white tape over their mouths or over their face masks. People choose a one word prayer focus they write on their piece of tape. The goal is to turn every Martin Luther King Jr. street into an altar of prayer, where justice would roll like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.
After the silent prayer portion of the gathering is finished, we encourage participants to transition into a time of worship for the second hour. This hour could either be simple, a cappella worship led by a few individuals or by an entire worship ensemble. Each field director can organize the worship portion of the time as they feel led by the Holy Spirit. The goal is to enthrone our beautiful Savior in our praise! When He comes, He changes everything!
How do I participate?
Arrive before 6:01 PM on August 8, 2020.
The main expression of Pray on MLK is to stand in quiet or silent prayer, 6 feet apart, creating a prayer chain in a single line on the sidewalk.
How does COVID-19 affect the event?Please do not attend if you are feeling sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Follow social distancing guidelines by keeping a distance of at least 6 feet, wear your mask or face-covering at all times, and use hand sanitizer before you come and when you leave.
Why are people wearing masks or tape with handwriting over their mouths?
While our voices are silent in the protest, our prayers are still being heard in heaven. In Isaiah 6, the prophet beholds the Lord of glory and realizes that he is a man of unclean lips and he lives among a people of unclean lips. The white tape symbolizes God’s purification of our lips and our hearts. The tape also allows us to protest in solidarity with those whose voices have been silenced due to acts of injustice
Will the event be rescheduled if there is rain?
Pray on MLK will happen rain or shine. Please come prepared for any type of weather.
Do I need to signup?
We strongly recommend signing up so that organizers know how many people to expect and so that you are made aware in case of any changes arise (weather plans, etc). Sign up to attend here.
What should I do if people begin to protest Pray on MLK near me?
Pray on MLK is a peaceful, silent, prayer demonstration. We recommend assigning certain people to answer questions from passersby. PLEASE NOTE: Though we encourage open dialogue with those who may disagree with what we are standing for, we also acknowledge that emotions are running high during this time. We ask that you refrain from communication that you foresee becoming belligerent or engaging in conversations that go against the spirit of Pray on MLK.
What if there is no MLK street near me?
Choose an “altar of pain” (a place of historic tragedy or division) in your city and do your silent prayer protest there.
What if there is more than one MLK street in my city?
If you have enough people to cover multiple streets, then go ahead. If you only have enough people to cover one street, ask the Lord to show you which street would be best for your demonstration. We recommend one with high visibility or is an “altar of pain.”
What is the best way to share this event?
Use #prayonmlk in your posts along with #jesusisjustice and #civilrighteousness.
You can also download images for social from our resources pack at prayonmlk.org.
Where should I park?
Anywhere on MLK or intersecting streets, or local public parks that legally allow you to park.
Please be respectful of businesses and homes and abide by the instructions on parking signs.
I am a church leader, how can I get our community involved?
We highly encourage communities to organize and get involved together as a group. Choose a section of MLK in your city or city nearby that can accommodate your group size. We recommend reaching out to other pastors and leaders in your community and inviting their congregations to participate. Having demonstrations that encompass many different ministries is powerful and a stunning example Christ-centered unity. (Remember that according to John 17:23, “oneness” in Christ can serve as a catalyst for harvest!).
Does it cost?
No. Pray on MLK is a free event, but we ask that you register so that hosts can properly plan, including resources, social distancing, etc.
What is the significance of doing this on an MLK street?
Many cities across the United States (and the world) have renamed streets with Dr. King’s name in order to honor his memory and the incredible impact of his Civil Rights work. However, many of these same roads have been affected by racism, poverty, and crime. We believe God wants to redeem these roads and cause them to become a national representation of His “highway of holiness,” a sign and a wonder of both economic and spiritual renewal.
What is the significance of 8/8?
August 8, 1968 in Chicago, the first street was named after Martin Luther King Jr.