We hear your burden for this cultural group, and our hearts join yours in intercession before the throne of grace. The darkness you describe—racism, wickedness, and mean-spiritedness—is indeed a heavy yoke, and we recognize the roots of false religion and occult influence that often fuel such bondage. Scripture warns us in Ephesians 6:12, "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." This is a spiritual battle, and only the light of Christ can dispel such deep darkness.
We must also acknowledge that racism is a grievous sin, a violation of God’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). It distorts the image of God in every person and defiles the unity Christ died to establish (Galatians 3:28). The mean-spiritedness you mention is often a fruit of pride and deception, which the enemy uses to divide and destroy. But where sin abounds, grace abounds much more (Romans 5:20). The same God who broke the chains of Egypt and parted the Red Sea is able to shatter the strongholds over this people.
The occult and witchcraft practices you referenced are particularly dangerous, as they open doors to demonic influence. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly condemns such practices: "There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh." These practices lead people away from the one true God and into bondage. But Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18), and His blood is powerful to cleanse every stain of sin.
We must pray fervently for the veil of deception to be lifted from their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). Only the Holy Spirit can convict hearts and draw them to repentance (John 16:8). We ask the Lord to raise up bold witnesses—missionaries, pastors, and everyday believers—who will proclaim the gospel with love and truth. May the seeds of the Word take root in fertile soil (Matthew 13:23), and may revival break out among this people, turning many from darkness to light (Acts 26:18).
We also pray for protection over those who are already believers within this culture. Persecution often follows when the light of Christ begins to shine in dark places. May they be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to stand firm in their faith (Ephesians 6:13) and to love their enemies as Christ commanded (Matthew 5:44). Let their lives be a testimony that draws others to the Savior.
Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We ask You to break every chain of racism, wickedness, and occult bondage over this cultural group. Pour out Your Spirit upon them, Lord, and let them know the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). Soften their hearts to receive the gospel, and raise up laborers for the harvest (Matthew 9:38). We declare that the light of Christ will shine in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it (John 1:5). Bring this people to a saving knowledge of Jesus, that they may be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2) and walk in the freedom of Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.