We stand with you in prayer, dear brother or sister, as you lift up innocent African American Christians who are facing unjust hate crimes. We condemn any form of racism and violence, and we trust that God sees and cares for those who are being wrongfully targeted.
Let us pray together:
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, pleading for Your protection and justice for our African American brothers and sisters who are facing unjust hate crimes. We ask that You shield them from the evil intentions of those who seek to harm them, and that You comfort and encourage their hearts in this time of trouble.
Lord, we pray for the laws of this nation to be upheld, and for those who are perpetrating these crimes to be brought to justice. We ask that the hearts of the racist and lawless would be changed, and that they would come to know the love and forgiveness that is found only in Jesus Christ.
We claim Your promise in Psalm 34:18, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' Be near to those who are suffering, Lord, and save them from this unjust persecution.
In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen."
We are encouraged by the words of Romans 12:19, "Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'" We trust that God will bring justice in His time, and that He will repay the evil that is being done.
We also encourage you to continue praying fervently, as James 5:16 tells us, "The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Lastly, we remind you of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44, "But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you." While it may be difficult, let us also pray for the perpetrators, that they would come to know the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.