Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your father, and he will inform you. Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you. – Deuteronomy 32:7 NLT
Heavenly Father, on this day we remember our country’s history of slavery. It’s shameful, brutal, and devastating to think about, but just like You called Your people to remember where they came from, You call us to do the same. I don’t want to forget the horrors so many people went through. Thank You for the freedom we now have and all the work that’s been done to reconcile the atrocities of slavery. I know there is still a long way to go, but I trust You will continue to bring healing and restoration. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If only my head were a pool of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for all my people who have been slaughtered. – Jeremiah 9:1 NLT
God, my heart grieves thinking about all the men, women, and children who were treated so horrifically and inhumanely. I don’t know how people could do that to each other, or how our country let it happen for so long. But I thank You for everyone who worked so hard to end slavery, who believed in the dignity and value of every human being enough to push back against the status quo. I pray that we never forget our history, that we regularly remind ourselves of how far we’ve come as a country, and how far we still have left to go. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
Lord, You are a God of peace and unity, and You want us to reflect Your character. But there are a lot of times I don’t see those things in the world around me, or even in myself. I pray that You strengthen and empower us to live in harmony with one another, that we would not be divided but celebrate the beautiful diversity you created throughout humanity. Help us to see each other as brothers and sisters. Help us to be kind, loving, and merciful. When we see injustice and cruelty, give us the boldness to speak out against it in love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! – Romans 12:16 NLT
Heavenly Father, in Your Kingdom we are all unified. No one is higher or lower than anyone else, and we are all equally deserving of love and respect. I repent for all the times I have ever treated others with less dignity than they deserve. Humble me where I need to be humbled. We are all learning and growing and figuring out life together, so help us to be gracious to each other, Your beloved children. In Jesus’ name, amen.
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28 NLT
Jesus, I long so deeply for Your restored Kingdom to be here. There are some heartbreaks that won’t be fully healed until that day, and though that makes me so sad to think about, it also fills me with hope. You are making all things new. I look forward to the day when we are all united under You. Differences will no longer divide us, but we’ll be brought together in perfect unity forever. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. In Your name, amen.
