Have you ever sat down to pray, and because there was so much “stuff” racing through your head, you had no clue where to start? Faced with having to endure and lead others through the unimaginable, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. knew this feeling all too well. Yet with his legacy, we also remember just how faithful God remains with each prayer He answers. Start your discovery of Dr. King’s prayer-filled life with this 3-day reading plan!
Our Daily Bread
Day 1
Scripture: Philippians 4
Peaceful Prayer Warrior
Philippians 4 verse 7 says “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Last year, my hunger for and commitment to prayer were rekindled, and now I focus more intensely on prayer than ever before. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. often reminded congregants and others in his sphere of influence to pray, especially during the fight for civil rights and justice. He knew the power of prayer and set an outstanding example, reminding us not to forfeit the most powerful tool available to believers in Jesus.
King once said, “God is able to. . . transform dark and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of inner peace.” This reminds us to hunger and strive for the peace that keeps one grounded during difficult times, which comes through prayer. In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul says to “present your requests to God” with thanksgiving (v. 6). The result? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).
Consistent prayer warriors testify of the peace found through prayer. During turbulent times, they’ll agree that peace can go beyond human understanding. God creates golden moments for us to share peace with others. These moments are opportunities to trust God faithfully and help others grow closer to Him. Now is the time to follow King’s example and use the most powerful force to touch heaven and change earth.
When have you or someone you know experienced the peace of God that surpasses understanding? How might that peace be used to help others?
Let’s pray.
Dear God in heaven, please show me new ways to use the peace you give me to help others trust and grow closer to you.
Day 2
Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-18
Pray About Everything
Ephesians 6 verse 18 says “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life was littered with turmoil. He travailed through deep abysses of darkness throughout his journey, including stress, physical issues, multiple jailings, and assassination attempts. So why, amid so much negativity, does his legacy reflect so much love and hope?
King was a fighter for justice whose greatest weapon was prayer. His life was devoted to persistent prayer. He prayed often in private and took a regular “Day of Silence” to cleanse himself from life’s clamor, while availing himself of God’s guidance and refreshment.
Another fighter, the apostle Paul, declared in Ephesians 6:12 that our battle as believers in Jesus isn’t against “flesh and blood, but . . . against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” King knew this—that behind the human beings who hated him were truly sinister spiritual forces. Through nonviolent protest, He chose to combat those forces with steadfast love and prayer.
Today, like King, we can “put on the full armor of God” to fight against evil and hatred by taking our “stand against the devil’s schemes” (v. 11). In God’s strength, we’re more than conquerors whenever we “pray in the spirit on all occasions” (v. 18). We have an ever-flowing connection to that strength on a daily basis. Prayer is the bridge.
How would you describe your prayer life? How can you pray more effectively in your current battles?
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, please help me rely on You and Your strength and pray about everything.
Day 3
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-10
Not My Will
Matthew 6 verse 10 says “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
While Martin Luther King, Jr. often spoke of his need for solitary communion with God, King championed public conversation with Him as well, consistently leading prayer during sermons and action meetings. King’s prayers often mirrored the manner in which Jesus instructed us to pray in Matthew’s gospel.
Jesus tells us that we should approach God with reverence—“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9); and in submission to God’s desires—“your kingdom come, your will be done” (v. 10). King followed the pattern of submission, often posturing under God’s righteous decree; he once prayed during a sermon in Alabama: “Help me O God, to see that I’m just a symbol of the movement.”
After receiving a chilling death threat, King recalled feeling floored. Believing his strength to be depleted, he cried out to God, “I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left.” King says he then heard an inner voice reply: “King, stand up for justice.”
While we may not lead a movement like King, we as believers in Jesus need to submit our desires to God’s will and trust our heavenly Father to provide. Although not perfect, King wielded powerful prudence against pride through prayer to God. May we do likewise.
What in your life is currently causing you discontentment? How does prayer, Bible reading, and God’s perfect provision ease the concerns of your heart?
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, Your plan for my life is what’s best for me. Please reveal where my desires clash with Yours, and realign them with Your will.