Gracious God, we pray in remembrance and thanksgiving for the witness of Sam Hammond, Henry Smith, and Delano Middleton, unarmed students of African descent who were shot and killed by police on this date in 1968 as they joined in protests against segregation in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Peace abides in your kingdom even as all who bear your image ring your throne in glorious diversity. Make us prophets of peace with justice in your earthly realms. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
