We lift our hearts together before the throne of grace, standing firm in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our refuge and strength. Father God, we come before You with deep concern for our African American brothers in Christ, who face threats and hatred simply because of who they are—fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, for You are their shield and defender.
The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but we stand on Your promise in Psalm 91:1-4: *"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.' For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart."* Lord, we pray that Your angels would encamp around these men, guarding them in all their ways. Let no harm come near their dwelling, and let Your peace that surpasses all understanding guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
We also rebuke the spirit of jealousy and hatred that seeks to bring early death and destruction. Jealousy is a work of the flesh, and it has no place in the heart of a believer. Proverbs 14:30 warns, *"A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy rots the bones."* Father, we ask that You would soften the hearts of those who harbor ill will toward these men. Turn their hearts toward You, that they may see the value and dignity You have placed in every person. Let Your love cast out all fear, hatred, and malice.
We pray for wisdom and discernment for these men as they navigate a world that may not always value their lives. Equip them with the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, so they may stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Let them walk in the confidence of their identity in Christ, knowing that they are more than conquerors through Him who loved them.
Lord, we also ask that You would raise up godly men and women around them—believers who will stand in the gap, intercede on their behalf, and be a source of encouragement and support. Let the body of Christ be a tangible expression of Your love and protection in their lives.
We declare that the blood of Jesus covers these men, and no evil plan formed against them will succeed. We stand on Isaiah 54:17: *"No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Yahweh’s servants, and their righteousness is of me," says Yahweh.* We pray for miraculous protection, divine intervention, and supernatural deliverance from every snare of the enemy.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would use these men mightily for Your kingdom. Let their lives be a testimony to Your goodness, grace, and power. May they walk in the purpose and calling You have placed on their lives, unshaken by the threats of the enemy. We pray that they would be lights in their communities, drawing others to You through their faith, integrity, and love.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved and through whom we have access to the Father. Amen.