We stand with you in prayer, lifting up all those who are facing unjust hate crimes due to the color of their skin. We pray specifically for innocent African American Christian men, women, and children to be blessed and protected from those who seek to harm them out of hatred and racism.
Let us firstly pray for those directly affected:
Father, you tell us in Psalm 34:17, "The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." We ask that you hear the cries of your people who are suffering injustices. Bring them your comfort. Surround them with your peace.
Now let us pray for protection:
Lord, you promise in Psalm 91:14-15, "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him." We claim this promise for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Protect them from the evil one. Hide them in the shadow of your wings.
Let us also pray for those committing these crimes:
Father, you tell us in Luke 6:27-28, "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you." We pray for those who are committing these hate crimes. Change their hearts, Lord. Help them to see the error of their ways and turn to you.
Lastly, let us pray for justice:
Lord, you tell us in Amos 5:24, "But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream." We pray for justice for those who have been wronged. We ask that you would thwart the plans of the evil one and bring light into these dark situations.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we have access to you, Father. Acts 4:12 reminds us, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved." We thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.