In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Television shows, commercials, and news programs will use February to highlight not only famous Black people, but also Black people who are making a difference in their communities. This aims to raise awareness among those who do not know about these pioneers. It is important for all Christians to participate in Black History Month because we need to know how important it is for Black people to break down stereotypes and pave the way for others to walk in freedom. This also paves the way for talented actors, artists, and musicians to create art and share it with the world without prejudice. However, as our history shows, the Black community has endured incredible amounts of racism and other challenges simply because of the color of their skin. Black History Month celebrates those who have faced these challenges and triumphed.
As Christians, we need to pray for those in the Black community who may still be enduring these hardships. Although the black community has made great strides in equality and representation, there are still many black people who are exposed to poverty and targeted by authorities because of 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 how to start, here are five prayers to pray during Black History Month.
Lord, please make us aware
Although our society has progressed further in accepting people who look, act, and speak differently than us, the Black community remains underrepresented. This means that many people are unaware of the challenges facing the black community and how they can help. Pray for the Lord to inform you of common areas where the Black community may face prejudice. Ask the Lord to intervene and heal these injustices.
Furthermore, there are many areas in the United States where white people are the majority and do not interact with black communities. Ask the Lord to help you bear the burdens of the black community, to soften the hearts of these people and let them know that they are not alone. This may look different for everyone, but ask the Lord to make us more aware of how we can help. For example, when someone is senselessly killed or imprisoned because of the color of their skin, we can march with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Lord, make us equal
We may not see complete equality in our lifetimes, but we can ask the Lord to intervene in this way. For those of us who hold well-paying jobs, walk the streets freely, and are not afraid of violence or other criminal activity, it is easy to turn a blind eye to those who face such hardships every day. Those of us who are not part of the Black community may never fully understand these challenges, but we can increase our compassion for the world’s disenfranchised people. We pray to God and ask for His intervention so that the world can become more equal and have the same opportunities for both people of color and white people. As U.S. citizens, we live in one of the freest countries in the world. Please help us provide these opportunities to people seeking a better life.
Lord, let others treat you with respect.
Thanks to social media, we have opened our eyes to how much contempt people have for each other. This is prevalent among all races, but especially among the black community. Some black people are victims of incredible disrespect. As Christians, we should treat everyone with the same respect we would like to see ourselves. This is how Jesus treated those he came into contact with. We need to do the same. Pray for God to open your eyes to those who may be the object of your scorn, and those who are blatantly scorned. Please do all you can to right this wrong and help those despised receive the justice they deserve.
Lord, please end racism.
Likewise, we may never see an end to racism in our lifetimes. But this doesn’t mean we can’t pray for it or ask God to act on our behalf. For those of us who have never been victims of racism, think about what it would be like to wake up every day and watch intently as people walk into stores and conduct business. Imagine going to work and being paid far less than your white colleagues. For many people, life can be a huge struggle. For those of us who have means, ask God how we can help victims of racism. Even if you don’t know this victim, do your research and find a nonprofit organization working tirelessly to end racism. Please give your time and resources, not just your finances, to end this injustice. There is no better way to be the hands and feet of Jesus than by helping those in need, especially those who are victims of not only verbal attacks but also violent physical attacks.
Lord, help me to see you
Above all, help me to keep God at the center of my life. We cannot move to end injustice of any kind without prioritizing God. Make prayer a priority and see God in everything. Matthew 25:34-40 It says, “Then the king will say to those on his right hand, “Come, you who are blessed of my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 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 give you something to eat, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” “The king will answer, “Truly I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.” When we help those in need, it is like helping Jesus on earth, even though they may not look like Jesus. Let’s use our money for good and help those who can’t help themselves.
Black History Month is a wonderful time for us to be more conscious of our black brothers and sisters in Christ who have suffered great losses in the name of achieving equality. Read books, watch documentaries, do whatever you can to be more aware of those who are actively fighting injustice on behalf of the Black community. Do what you can to help your faith break in your daily life by dedicating your money, time, and resources to one of the greatest injustices plaguing the world today.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/DisobeyArt
Michelle S. Lazurek is an award-winning multi-genre author, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother. She is a literary agent with Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spiritual Reset podcast. Her new children’s book, Hall of Faith, encourages children to understand that God can be trusted. When I’m not working, I enjoy drinking Starbucks lattes, collecting 80’s memorabilia, and spending time with my family and dog. For more information, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.
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