In February we celebrate Black History Month. Television shows, commercials, and news programs are using the month of February to spotlight not only famous Black people, but also Black people who are making a difference in their communities. This is to help raise awareness among those who may not know some of these pioneers. It is important for all Christians to participate in Black History Month because they need to know how important it is for black people to break stereotypes and pave the way for people to walk in freedom. It also paves the way for talented actors, artists and musicians to create their art and share it with the world without prejudice. However, as we know throughout our history, the black community has endured incredible amounts of racism and other challenges simply because of the color of their skin. Black History Month honors those who are able to meet these challenges and emerge victorious.
As Christians, we must pray for those in the Black community who may still be facing these challenges. Although the Black community has made great strides in equality and representation, many Black people remain prone to poverty and targeted by authorities due to public prejudice. It is important for Christians to pray for members of the Black community during Black History Month. If you want to pray but don’t know where to start, here are five prayers to pray during Black History Month:
Lord, make us aware
Although our society has further progressed in its acceptance of people who look, behave, and speak differently from us, the Black community remains significantly underrepresented. This means many people don’t know the challenges the black community faces or how they can help. Pray and ask the Lord to inform you of any general areas in which the black community may face bias. Ask the Lord to intervene and allow Him to heal these injustices.
Additionally, many areas of the United States are predominantly white and do not interact with the black community. Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of these people to bear the burden of the black community and let them know they are not alone. Although it may look different for everyone, ask the Lord to make us more aware of how we can help. For example, we can walk with our brothers and sisters in Christ when someone is senselessly killed or imprisoned because of the color of their skin.
Lord, make us equal
Although we may never see complete equality in our lifetime, we can ask the Lord to intervene in this way. It is easy for those of us who have obtained well-paying jobs, walked the streets freely, and have not been afraid of violence or other criminal behavior to turn a blind eye to those who face these challenges every day. While we who are not part of the Black community may never fully understand these challenges, we can increase our compassion for those disenfranchised by the world. We can pray and ask God for intervention and allow our world to become more equal, giving people of color and white people equal opportunities. As citizens of the United States, we live in one of the freest countries in the world. Help us provide these opportunities to those who aspire to a better life.
Lord, let others treat them with respect
Social media has opened our eyes to the lack of respect people have for each other. This is rampant among all races, but particularly among the black community. Some black people are victims of incredible acts of disrespect. As Christians, we must treat everyone with the same respect as we would like. This is how Jesus treated those he came into contact with. We must do the same. To those who may be victims of disrespect, pray and ask God to open their eyes to those who are openly disrespected. Do what you can to right this wrong and help disrespectful people receive the justice they deserve.
Lord, may you end racism
Likewise, we may never see the end of racism in our lifetimes. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t pray about it or ask God to work on our behalf. For those of us who have never experienced racism, think about what it would be like for you to wake up every day and look carefully when you walk into a store or start a business. Imagine going to work and being paid significantly less than a white co-worker. Life can be a big struggle for many people. For those of us who can afford it, ask God where we can help those who are victims of racism. Even if we don’t know anyone who has experienced it, do some research and find nonprofits that are working tirelessly to end racism. Donate financially as well as your time and resources to help end this injustice. There is no better way to be the hands and feet of Jesus than to help those in need, especially those who are victims not only of verbal attacks but also of violent physical assaults.
Lord, help us to see you
Above all, help us to place God at the center of our lives. We cannot end all forms of injustice without God being our priority. Also make prayer a priority and see God in everything. Matthew 25:34-40 said, “Then the king will say to those on his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. “Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or need clothing and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? “The king will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ » When we help those in need, even if they don’t look like Jesus, it is like we are helping Jesus on earth. Let’s use our money for good and help those who can’t help themselves.
Black History Month is a great time to become more aware of our Black brothers and sisters in Christ who have suffered great losses in the name of equality. Read books, watch documentaries, and whatever else you can do to become more aware of people who are actively fighting injustice against the black community. Do what you can to help and allow your faith to manifest in everyday life by donating your money, time and resources to one of the greatest injustices plaguing our world today.
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