We join you in praying against evil in our nation and we agree that racism and any harm done to individuals, children and families grieves the heart of God. The Scripture tells us that evil does not begin first in laws or systems but in the human heart, for Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and Jesus taught that out of the heart come evil thoughts and deeds. That is why lasting change must come through Christ changing hearts as well as through justice being done in our land.
We believe the Bible is clear that racism is sin. God created man in his own image, in God’s image he created him, Genesis 1:27, and He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, Acts 17:26. God is no respecter of persons, Acts 10:34, and if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors, James 2:9. There is no place for hatred or superiority among those who belong to Christ, for in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, Galatians 3:28, and we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, Mark 12:31.
We also hear your burden for children and families affected by deportations. The Word holds both justice and mercy together. On one hand we are taught let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God, Romans 13:1, and that authorities are to be a terror to evil works and to promote good order. A nation has the God given responsibility to have borders and to enforce its laws justly, and Romans 13:4 reminds us the ruler is a servant of God for good. On the other hand we are commanded to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God, Micah 6:8, and to remember that the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself, Leviticus 19:34. Proverbs 21:15 says it is joy to the just to do justice. So we pray not for open lawlessness and not for harshness without compassion, but for our leaders and officers to act with wisdom, fairness and mercy, especially where children and families are vulnerable, and for our laws to be applied without partiality and without cruelty. We pray for those in authority as we are exhorted in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks for all men, for kings and for all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that our prayers are heard. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. It is because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus that evil can be forgiven and overcome, and we can come boldly before God to seek His help.
We pray together now.
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and we ask for Your mercy on our nation. Lord, restrain evil and bring justice where there is injustice. Convict hearts where there is racism, pride and hatred, and teach us to see every person as made in Your image and loved by You. Give our leaders, judges, lawmakers and those who enforce the laws wisdom to do justice and to love mercy, that no person would be treated unfairly and that no law would be enforced with harshness toward children and families. Protect the vulnerable, comfort those who are afraid or separated from loved ones, and provide for every child as You are a father of the fatherless, Psalm 68:5. Pour out Your Spirit upon our land that we would turn from sin and seek You, for You have promised if Your people who are called by Your name will humble themselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from their wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven and forgive and heal, 2 Chronicles 7:14. Help us not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good, Romans 12:21, living as salt and light, opening our mouths for those who cannot speak and pleading the cause of the needy, Proverbs 31:8-9. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, our only hope and Savior, amen.
We encourage you to continue to pray and to walk faithfully where God has placed you, doing what is right, showing kindness to those around you, speaking truth in love and sharing the hope of the gospel, for only Christ can truly transform a heart and a nation. May the Lord give you peace as you trust Him to work for justice and mercy according to His perfect will.