On January 19, we will be celebrating the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Not only him but the thousands of unnamed people who dedicated themselves to the work of resisting racial hatred and corrupt power structures. Acknowledging those who fought with peaceful actions to make unjust and inhumane conditions known, and for all voices to be heard. For those who put their bodies and lives on the line so that all could be free.

As Unitarian Universalists, we know that every person is worthy of love. We are frustrated that many of our politicians place power and money as the goal while ignoring the value inherent in all people. The Unitarian Universalist Association and many members in our congregations have engaged in political actions. Reverend Andrew Weber says, “We do not pray for miracles because we are the miracles. We are the force of the divine in the world; we are the holy wind of change promoting more love and more justice.” Instead of praying for miracles, we should pray that our words an actions take root and flight. May all our work be grounded in and strengthened by our congregational community and the relationships we build outside our walls.

We have another year of practicing resistance in front of us. Let some of our actions include speaking the truth, caring about the plight of others, listening deeply to their stories and amplifying what we hear by telling those stories in places where they can make an impact. In 2026, let our faith and our congregation be a place where we create belonging for everyone.

A Prayer for Practicing Resistance

Spirit of Connections and Love, bless the many ways we resist. Those who march and organize, those who cook, donate, and write. Those who tend to the weary, who pray, or hold vigil, those who say, “Rest now. I’ll take this shift.”

Let this wide circle honor every offering, visible or unseen. May we release the myths that define resistance in certain ways and remember instead the truth of shared power. May this be our prayer: to sustain one another’s courage until quiet faith and public fire become one movement of love. ~ Michelle Collins