In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Television shows, commercials, and news programs use the month of February to highlight not only famous Black people but also Black people who make a difference in their communities. This is to help raise awareness among those who may not know about some of these trailblazers. It’s important for all Christians to participate in Black History Month as they need to know how important it is for Black people to break down stereotypes and pave the way for people to walk in freedom. This 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 in 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 face those challenges and emerge victorious.
As Christians, we need to be praying for those in the Black community who may still be enduring these challenges. Although the Black community has made great strides in equality and representation, there are many Black people who are still subject to poverty and targeted by authorities because of people's prejudices. It’s important for Christians to be praying for those in the Black community during Black History Month. If you'd like to pray but don't know how to get started, here are five prayers to pray during Black History Month:
Although our society has progressed further in our acceptance of people who look, act, and talk differently than us, the Black community is still highly underrepresented. This means that many people don't know the challenges the Black community faces or how they can help. Pray and ask the Lord to make you aware of any general areas where the Black community may be facing prejudice. Ask the Lord to intervene and allow him to heal these injustices.
Additionally, there are many areas within the United States that are predominantly white and do not interact with the Black community. Ask the Lord to soften those people’s hearts to bear the burden of the Black community and let them know they are not alone. Although this may look different for everyone, ask the Lord to make us more aware of how we can help. For example, we can march with our brothers and sisters in Christ when someone is senselessly killed or jailed because of their skin color.
Although we may never see total equality in our lifetime, we can ask the Lord to intervene in this way. It is easy for those of us who have received high-paying jobs, walked the streets in freedom, and have not been afraid of violence or other criminal behavior to turn a blind eye to those who face these challenges every day. Although we, who are not a part of the Black community, may never understand these challenges fully, we can increase our compassion for those who are disenfranchised by the world. We can pray and ask God for his intervention and allow our world to become more equal, giving both people of color and whites the same opportunities. As citizens of the United States, we live in one of the freest countries in the world. Help us offer these opportunities to those who yearn for a better life.
Social has opened our eyes to the level of disrespect people have for each other. This is rampant among every race, but particularly among the Black community. Some Black people are the victims of incredible acts of disrespect. As Christians, we need to treat everyone with the same respect as we would want. This is how Jesus would treat those with whom he came in contact. We need to do the same. To those who may be subject to disrespect, pray and ask God to open your eyes to those who are openly disrespected. Do what you can to right this wrong and help disrespected people receive the justice they deserve.
Similarly, we may never see the end of racism in our lifetime. However, this does not mean that we can't pray for it or ask God to move on our behalf. For those of us who have never been a victim of racism, consider what it would be like for you to wake up every day and watch intently as you enter a store or place a business. Imagine going to work and being paid much less than a white colleague. Life can be a great struggle for many people. For those of us who have the means, ask God where we can be of help to those who are the victims of racism. Even if we don't know someone who has been the victim of this, do some research and find non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to end racism. Give 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, particularly those who are the victims not only of verbal attacks but also of violent physical attacks as well.
Above all, help us place God at the center of our lives. We cannot move to end any sort of injustice without God as our priority. Make prayer a priority as well, and see God in everything. Matthew 25:34-40 says, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since 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 looked after 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 something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘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 us use our money for good and help those who can't help themselves.
Black History Month is a great time for us to become more aware of our Black brothers and sisters in Christ who have suffered great loss in the name of achieving equality. Read books, watch documentaries, and anything else you can do to make yourself more aware of people who are actively fighting injustice for the Black community. Do what you can to help and allow your faith to be walked out in everyday life by giving of your money, time, and resources to one of the greatest injustices plaguing our world today.
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