Editor’s Note: This prayer was originally published on Heidi Tai’s blog here. It has been republished with permission from the author. Check out more of Heidi’s work on her website.
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me, and answer. But, I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” (Psalm 13)
Heavenly Father,
Although we know that there is joy ahead of us, right now, our hearts are burdened by sorrow. Although we know that death has lost its sting, we grieve the loss of life. Although we know there is sufficient grace for all seasons, right now, we really need more. In six months alone, we have seen fire, flood, drought, sickness, death, and now worldwide protests against racial oppression and police brutality.
As the earth cries for justice and healing, we come before you today in humility. We acknowledge the limitations of human power and the cycle of sin and brokenness that cannot be healed by human hands. Although we may be shocked by the state of the world, we know Father that you are not overwhelmed, for you created the world and there is nothing new under the sun. Through fire and flood, sickness, and suffering, you have shown us time and time again, that our earthly idols cannot save. And so we plead with you for grace and mercy — that you will bring divine justice and healing to a hurting world.
Father, we confess that the world is broken — and that we individually contribute to its brokenness. We are sorry for the ways in which we have demanded heaven on earth — creating idols and consuming creation to serve our own needs. We are sorry for the times we have shown hate or prejudice towards others, and in doing so, devaluing humans created in your image. We confess our capacity for racial bias, and ask that you will help your church to be an inclusive community that sees dignity and worth in all people.
We pray for Black Lives and for indigenous communities who have been victims of systematic racism and oppression. We pray for the vulnerable who feel forgotten, and who wrestle with daily fears and sorrows. We are sorry for the times when we have turned a blind eye to their plights. We confess our selfishness, fear, and lack of empathy or understanding. We confess the times we have been quick to judge and slow to listen. Please equip your church to love our neighbors as you do, and to take active steps towards repentance and reconciliation where required. Give us boldness to speak against sin when we see it, but to do it with gentleness and love.
Although it may feel as though the world has descended into chaos where death and sin reigns, help us to see that you are still sovereign — that you are with us in the darkest valleys and for us in every season. In these uncertain times, help us to fight the good fight, but to also rest in your sufficient grace. Even if our todays are filled with tears, help us to find joy in your salvation, so that no matter the circumstances, we can declare with confidence that you are still God, and you are always good.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.