O, LORD, we thank you for being our refuge and strength amid the dark times we are presently experiencing as a nation (Psalm 46:1). We mourn the loss of precious human beings who are made in Your image. Specifically, we grieve the death of George Floyd. We lament the deaths of civilians and police officers that have occurred during protests throughout the nation. We pray for comfort for their families and for justice in each of these cases.
We pray that You would search us, O God, and know our hearts! Try us and know our thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24). Lord, would You search our hearts and reveal any sin in us, including racism, hate, and indifference to injustice. Lead us to repentance. Empower us to flee from sin and live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:1).
LORD, forgive us for the times we have not been quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Enable us to listen to those who may hold different views and have different experiences than we have. Grant us the grace to love and be patient with all peoples. May we be a people who love our neighbors as our own selves (Matthew 22:39).
Although this world is constantly changing, the nations rage, and kingdoms totter, You remain the same, O LORD (Psalm 46:2-6). We praise You for being with us and being our fortress even in these dark times (Psalm 46:7). May we cling to our never changing, mighty fortress.
We praise You as the Sovereign King who is the source of peace (Psalm 46:9). We praise You for making a way for peace between You and sinful man through the shedding of the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:13). We praise You for the fact that not only does the gospel demolish the barrier between us and You, but it decimates the dividing wall of hostility between mankind (Ephesians 2:14-16). Would You continue to build your church by unifying a diverse people from various ethnicities, languages, socioeconomic statuses, political persuasions through faith in the gospel?
May we rest in You, O God, and trust that You are sovereignly working to bring about Your sovereign will even in these dark times (Psalm 46:10). May the light of the church shine brightly in this dark world so that You might be glorified and exalted on this earth (Matthew 5:14-16; Psalm 46:10). We plead for You to heal and unify our nation, O LORD. Furthermore, we pray the gospel, the ultimate message of healing, hope, justice, and peace would spread throughout our nation and to the ends of the earth.
In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
By Jonathan Mitchell