My Prayer

It is the last week of Black History Month, where our nation celebrates the achievements of African Americans, and recognizes their central role in U.S. history. It is also a moment in the history of our nation where many thoughts, feelings, and ideologies are swirling around race relations. In light of that, I decided to would write out a prayer. 

Jesus, I pray for the boys and girls in Phoenix who notice how many people with black skin, like them, are struggling. When they are heartbroken by deep anger and frustration, broken homes and prison time, poverty of resource and poverty of education, please let them know You are with them. 

When these same boys and girls grow up watching people with different skin color enjoy resources, lifestyles, and privileges that they have never enjoyed—and don’t think they will ever enjoy—please let them know You are for them. 

When they become weary under the heavy burden of real and percieved discrepancies, and when the devil whispers the lie propagated in early American history by politicians and preachers that their lives don’t matter, please let them know their lives matter so much. 

I also pray when they are told numerous narratives and ideologies, that You would give them great discernment for what is true, wisdom to know what to do, and courage to do it—even if it is against popular opinion. 

Lord Jesus, since your word says that without vision the people perish, I pray you would give the black community a grand vision of Your plans for them. Help them be filled with torrents of hope, knowing You are so faithful to redeem pain and are perfectly aware of all the injustice their people have suffered on American soil. Help the black community experience an amazing revival and renewal, causing them to be great leaders and evangelists all over the world, for Your glory. 

And I also pray for Living Streams Church. Please help us to be and do what You are asking of us. Help us to create connections and intersections between our lives and those who are struggling. Help us know how to get our shoulders under the burden the black community in Phoenix is carrying. We know you have made Your Church the hope of this world. Please give us the wisdom and power to actually bring about good and lasting change in our communities. Let us be courageous as lions, wise as serpents, humble as doves, and as loving as Golden Retrievers. 

– David

P.S. If you would like to dialogue about this prayer, or about race relations, please let me know. We are considering setting a meeting at church for dialogue and prayer.