A Lamentation: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray!

A Lamentation: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray!
A 21st Century Africana Liturgy Resource
by The Rev. Maxine Allen

I couldn't hear nobody pray, Lord!
I heard the sounds of bullets…
I heard the sounds of sirens…
I heard the click and flash of cameras and cell phones…
I heard the pounding of boots on the pavement…
I couldn't hear nobody pray, Lord!

I heard the sound of moaning…
I heard the beating of fists…
I heard the whir of the helicopter…
But, I couldn't hear nobody pray.

I hear the peck, peck, peck of computer keys…
I hear the television in the background…
I hear the announcer give the body count…
I hear the young man crying…
But, I couldn't hear nobody pray.
I couldn't hear nobody pray, Lord!
I couldn't hear nobody pray.
Way down yonder by myself, And I couldn't hear nobody pray!
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About the Author: Rev. Maxine Allen is Minister of Missions and Ethnic Ministries for the Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church.