Not Another Prayer Vigil

I’ve grown weary of prayer vigils. It seems that after every murder, malfeasance, or mishap in our country against a Black person, Whites scurry and find obliging Blacks to hold a prayer vigil. Smoldering candles, hand holding, and somber songs are usually central to the experience. This tactic has gotten old and cliché. Don’t get me wrong. I know that prayer changes things, just a little talk with Jesus makes it right, and that we should pray without ceasing. Prayer has been a constant in my life for over 50 years. But what should be a powerful moment of communication with God and a time for community-building and reflection, followed by thoughtful action, has become no more than a strategy to placate Blacks and assuage White guilt such that the event is quickly forgotten and the status quo quickly restored. In these instances, prayer vigils become no more than spectacles of the moment that do a disservice to hurting people and to a holy ritual central to the Black Church tradition, in particular, and the Christian faith, in general.

No more. Stick a fork in me because I am done. Black Christians must be more discerning. When someone approaches us about participating in a prayer vigil, we should ask questions. Are their ulterior motives? Is there an agenda that does not forward redress and healing in a tangible way? If a plan for redress is proposed, what is it, and what are short- and long-term goals and milestones for accountability? Without specific, measurable outcomes, these events become largely ineffective - though they may still make a few people feel better, as they willingly go back into a society filled with structural forces designed to marginalize minorities and empower their counterparts. I believe that this is one of the reasons the Black Church has lost its relevance to so many members of younger generations.

If a prayer vigil is designed for collective prayer to fortify us spiritually, that is fine. Then call it just that. However, if local leaders and supposed political, community, and/or religious allies are present, we must have greater expectations. They should be held accountable and be prepared to articulate tangible and intangible objectives and partnership aims. And it wouldn’t hurt to bring some big checks. In the absence of these measures, prayer vigils become no more than a means to manipulate the marginalized in unethical, opportunistic ways. Christians who are activist, activist Christians, or just folks who truly care about addressing injustices must be more discerning. Yes, there is power in prayer. And the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. We should expect prayer to be followed by actions that bring about systemic change. Prayer vigils should be followed by transformative plans. Otherwise, I’ll pray at home.

Sandra L. Barnes 6/4/2020