Prayer and Pen: The Prayers and Legacy of Carl Murphy, Publisher of the Afro-American Newspapers (1922-1967) - Hardcover

by Frances Murphy Draper (Author), Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (Foreword by)

In times of struggle, chaos, and trial, we will be tempted to think that God's goodness is not present. But prayer was the weapon of choice of Carl Murphy, the acclaimed publisher of the AFRO-American newspaper.

And knowing the power behind his pen, Murphy often poured every thought and emotion into the prayers shared with family, friends, the community, and his newspaper.

In this collection lovingly curated by Carl's granddaughter and current AFRO publisher Frances Murphy Draper, travel back in time and journey through more than 50 original prayers from this cultural hero and pioneer. With each reading, reflect on Murphy's authentic conversations with God and the perseverance and strength expressed by many as they were called to navigate Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, the Great Depression, two world wars, and other tumultuous, defining moments in United States history.

Pause with these powerful words from Carl Murphy, and see how his remarkable legacy as a family patriarch and wise businessman is defined by the solace and strength found in consistent prayer.

Front Jacket

Oh Lord God, we know that we cannot do everything, but help us to do something. --Carl Murphy

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and great trials, prayer was Carl Murphy's weapon of choice.

And knowing the power behind his pen, the acclaimed publisher of the AFRO-American newspaper used his words to share strength and hope with family, friends, the community, and his newspaper.

In Prayer and Pen, current AFRO publisher Frances Murphy Draper has collected 50 of her beloved grandfather's original prayers, along with many proverbs and words of wisdom. Each reading showcases Murphy's authentic conversations with God and the perseverance of a generation called to navigate Jim Crow, two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and other tumultuous, defining moments in United States history.

Reflect on powerful words from a wise businessman, cultural hero, and family patriarch, and learn from his remarkable legacy of finding solace and strength in consistent prayer.

Author Biography

Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Frances Murphy Draper is the publisher of the historic newspaper, The Afro-American in Baltimore, MD. She also served as senior pastor of Freedom Temple AME Zion Church for 20 years before retiring. The businesswoman and minister serves as first vice chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association as well as on several other boards within her community.