Teach Us To Pray: A 21-Day Prayer Reading Planনমুনা

Pray For Racial Reconciliation

God created all of humanity in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). That means all of us are more alike than we are different. Everyone, of every race or ethnicity, is created by God and reflect His workmanship. 

Holding a bias toward one group of people over another is a sin. We won’t overcome racism by ignoring all the unique and beautiful ways God made us. 

What we need more than anything is to appreciate our differences and listen to each other’s experiences, knowing that we each have something to show the other about God.  

Our internal bond as brothers and sisters in Christ is greater than any external difference (Galatians 3:28). One day, we will all worship Jesus together — people of every tribe, nation, and tongue. And as a church, we get the unique opportunity to pursue that kind of uncommon unity right here, right now.

Praise 

• How can our differences lead us to praise God?
• What does God teach us about Himself through our differences?
• How can we move from acknowledging our differences to celebrating them?

Repentance

• Who do you spend your time with? How well do you know people of other races or ethnicities?
• Have you ever looked the other way rather than confront prejudice?
• Where might you need to confess bias toward another person or group? 

Ask

• When’s the last time you grieved with someone over injustice? Ask God to show you the things that break His heart. 
• Where do you see the consequences of prejudice or racism? Ask God to bring healing where there has been hurt, to bring reconciliation where there has been division, and to give each of us the boldness to go deeper with people who are not like us. 

Yield 

• What would “uncommon unity” look like in your neighborhood, workplace, and/or small group?
• Are you willing to let God make you an instrument of healing? Give yourself time to listen as the Holy Spirit shows steps you can take this week to bring reconciliation to your spheres of influence.