The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a worship service based on Rev. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday are listed for the 17 different ways that are given below. Most of the scriptures listed for this worship service emphasize God’s deliverance or His call for justice and equality but there are also scriptures given for other appropriate themes. If you click or tap on one of the selections listed below, it will take you to its location on this page.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them. Psalm 109:30-31
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3:22-25
6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
31 And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. Exodus 4:31b*
13 Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
29 Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, 30 and Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, 31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. Exodus 4:29-31
Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
6 “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us . . . we will stand in your presence . . . and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ ” 2 Chronicles 20:6, 9*
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Habakkuk 1:13a*
3 [T]he song . . . of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. 4 Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Revelation 15:3-4
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior . . . .” 2 Samuel 22:2-3*
13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength, Psalm 89:13-17*
1 LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. 4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. Isaiah 25:1, 4a*
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
1 “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2*
6 Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:6-7
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! Psalm 36:5-7a*
37 Now I . . . praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:37*
The Best Introductions to Singing for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
1 I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise. Psalm 101:1
13 Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. Jeremiah 20:13
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. 5 For . . . weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12*
1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you . . . . 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:1, 3, 7*
1 Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to . . . God . . . ! 2 Begin the music, strike the timbrel, play the melodious harp and lyre. Psalm 81:1-2*
2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:22-25
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
16 Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Isaiah 1:16b-17b*
26 “Among my people are the wicked who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch people. 27 Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful 28 and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not seek justice. They do not promote the case of the fatherless; they do not defend the just cause of the poor. 29 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?” Jeremiah 5:26-29
27 “Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.” Daniel 4:27a*
6 But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always. Hosea 12:6
21 “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:21-24
9 “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ 11 But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears. 12 They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry.” Zechariah 7:9-12
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:8-9
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
4 [Y]ou are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; Psalm 5:4-5*
12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. Amos 5:12
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior . . . .” 2 Samuel 22:2-3*
14 “[I]f I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do what is just and right—15 if they . . . follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil—that person will surely live; they will not die. 16 None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live.” Ezekiel 33:14-16*
3 For he [the Father] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14*
19 God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [the Son], 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
27 “[I]f a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. 28 Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.” Ezekiel 18:27-28*
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35, 37-39
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing
God’s Peace for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
14 [I]t was good of you to share in my troubles. Philippians 4:14*
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
17 “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:7
11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. Psalm 119:45
104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:104
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:81
1 Hear the word of the LORD . . . , because the LORD has a charge to bring against you . . . . Hosea 4:1*
1 [K]nowledge of the truth . . . leads to godliness— Titus 1:1*
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21
6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 14:28-29
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—when you already have it with you. Proverbs 3:27-28
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
24 “[L]et justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24*
9 “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ ” Zechariah 7:9-10
12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
39 “ ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:39*
31 “ ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Mark 12:31*
28 “God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28b*
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 6
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
3 I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. 16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. 19 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:3, 16-19
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your [the LORD’s] love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8 You have . . . set my feet in a spacious place. Psalm 31:7-8*
13 [T]hey cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, Psalm 107:13-15*
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118:6-7
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:4, 6, 17
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:15-16
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
17 You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, Psalm 10:17
13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, Psalm 107:13-15
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. Psalm 119:122
134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. Psalm 119:134
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:6-7, 9a*
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.” Luke 18:1-8a*
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
17 He [the LORD] will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psalm 102:17
29 “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Acts 4:29
2 [P]ray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:2*
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 7 Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3:2-4, 7ab-8*
12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. 17 You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed . . . . Psalm 10:12, 17-18*
1 Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. 3 Say to me, “I am your salvation.” 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. 10 My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them . . . .” 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. 19 Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. 22 LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, LORD. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. 24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me. 28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. Psalm 35:1-2, 3b, 9-10, 18-19, 22-24, 28*
1 Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. 4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. 6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good. 7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. Psalm 54:1-2, 4, 6-7
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 13 [T]hey cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, Psalm 107:1-2, 13-15*
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. 14 The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 19 Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine on us. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1, 5-7, 14-16, 19, 21, 27a, 28-29*
5 Blessed are those whose help is . . . God . . . , whose hope is in the LORD their God. 6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, 8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10 The LORD reigns forever, your God . . . for all generations. Praise the LORD. Psalm 146:5-10*
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
35 Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior . . . that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:35*
19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves . . . . 28 Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. 35 You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; . . . God . . . gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68:19-20, 28, 35*
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God for Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior . . . .” 2 Samuel 22:2-3*
20 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you . . . .” 1 Chronicles 28:20*
15 “This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 17 [S]tand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you . . . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. [T]he LORD will be with you.’ ” 2 Chronicles 20:15bc, 17bcd*
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. Psalm 40:1-3
28 While they curse, may you bless; may those who attack me be put to shame, but may your servant rejoice. Psalm 109:28
9 “[S]ay to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ ” Isaiah 49:9a*
21 “I [ the LORD] will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.” Jeremiah 15:21
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
7 “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.” Luke 18:7-8a*
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
20 “Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 2 Chronicles 20:20c*
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8
The Best Exhortations for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are many of “The Best Exhortations” that apply well for a worship service that centers on Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday so there are more than this listed below.
20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live . . . . Deuteronomy 16:20*
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness v will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:6-9a*
9 “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:9b-11*
9 “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ ” Zechariah 7:9-10
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
21 “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b*
13 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” 1 Chronicles 22:13bc*
7 “[A]s for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7*
11 “Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.” 2 Chronicles 19:11b*
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
37 “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:37-39*
27 “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Luke 10:27*
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10
7 [T]he LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Psalm 11:7*
5 The LORD . . . is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail . . . . Zephaniah 3:5*
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. Psalm 36:5-6a*
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
27 “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27a*
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13