As Christians, God’s word is a roadmap that offers us the privilege to navigate the societal crisis of racism. The need to combat this supremacy idea has never been this demanding. Racism today had taken a different turn compared to when we grew up. Rather than chaotically, people now subtly spread hate. However, as Christians, our ultimate weapon is prayer. God’s word in Micah 6:8 enlightens us on what to do in a situation like this. Learn to pray as a black Christian about racism in these five subtle ways.
To better leverage from this guide, you need to have a glimpse of what racism stands for. Contrary to mundane belief, racism is a sin. Biblical teaching clarifies that one way to do good or kind is to pray and love those different from us. The writer of the scriptural book of James made it clear that when “you love your neighbor as yourself,” you are indirectly obeying the law of the kingdom Mark 12:31.
Violation of human rights is unjust, and any rebuke is warranted. Racism denies black folks the freedom, value, dignity, and the right to humanity which is the true essence of God-image. With this in mind, pray fervently with this ultimate guide to praying about racism.
Pray For Healing
As we come together to destroy and end the evil forces perpetuating humanity in the form of racism in America, so should our responses be unified in ardent prayers of healing. Pray so that God may bear the physical and spiritual burden that people carry because of their skin color. The root of racism is division; division is replaced by love, unity, and peace reign. A prayer for healing can bring total reform to the policy changes and those guilty of this menace. It will also heal those traumatized by criminal justice, the educational system, and employment opportunities because of the difference in their skin color.
Pray for the Ability to have Bold Conversations
James 1:19 says, “you should be quick to listen and slow to speak” for a reason. The reason is that having courageous conversations comes from understanding what racism is. And how much of an impact it holds on people of different ethnic backgrounds. God should meet the heart of as many who seek him to have honest conversations about racism while also bridging the ethnic divide. In addition, prayer enables the government and other social sectors to be enthusiastic and committed to the discourse that brings social justice and unity.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
This prayer should center around searching your heart to reveal every act contributing to being a racist. Pray that God should enact in you godly remorse that leads to true repentance. whenever we pray for communities who are victims of this menace to be redeemed and restored, those who perpetuate this hate will be healed in the process. Humanity is to coexist in love and unity; this is possible through repentance and reconciliation.
“If my people will humble themselves and pray to seek my face and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear in heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 4:17.
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Pray for Personal Reflection
Many people are ignorant that they tend to be racist. However, beyond the everyday gestures of supremacists towards people of color, the subtle comments and jokes pose a threat to the progress of the community. An inner reflection lets you identify the wrongful deeds and hate you may have committed even while sharing the word of God. This prayer should help you plead for grace to reflect on your actions and inactions that have contributed to other people’s pain and suffering.
Pray for God’s Justice
People can only maximize their potentials if an honest system of justice is in place. Nepotism is the order of the day when it comes to treating people equally before the law. When a white person commits a punishable offense, it is self-defense, but a black person is charged with murder for the same crime. There should be impartiality through the law, but that is not the case.
Commission Chair Mohamed Traore said on Tuesday evening, 23rd November 2021, “I went to the Iowa City Community School District, kindergarten through 12th grade”. In that time, I experienced what a lot of Black students experience: constant bullying, racism, and administrators doing next to nothing about it.”
However, our prayers should be against the citadel of darkness that is building corrupt systems of injustice. Such dark systems are dismantled as we welcome new ways that honor and serve all people equally. God should grant those assigned the task of social justice reform the wisdom to execute their responsibilities in alignment with biblical understanding.
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Conclusion
Paul’s letter to the Galatians reads, “There is no difference between the Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.” Galatian 3:28. Racism grieves God’s heart because it leads to an overturn of God’s original design that calls for us to be one in Him. May God help heal us and unite us with our brothers and sisters in Christ as we leverage this ultimate guide to praying about racism.
