Whatever the color of our skin, there is much to grieve and lament over right now. So many of us are hurting. So many of us feel powerless to help. Those of us who are not people of color want to stand with our brothers and sisters, but sometimes are unsure how to.
But all of us can pray. And all of us must pray.
So we’ve invited women of color to help all of us lift our eyes to the Lord of all and speak to him as our Father about the times we’re walking through. Each day for the next week or two, visit this blog and you’ll find a video, voice recording, or written prayer that will help you to pray into this situation.
We’re honored that serving us today is Portia Collins, a bible teacher, writer/blogger, and podcast host from the Mississippi Delta.
Father, Lord, you are good, you are gracious, you are kind, you are holy. You are just… you are an amazing God.
Lord, right now, we just turn to you. We look to you to provide wisdom and guidance, as we navigate through some very pressing and trying times. Lord, I take confidence in the fact that you are never off the throne. You hold all things in your hands. You are aware of what's going on in our country and in our world, and you are not blind to it.
Lord, I pray that you will open up hearts and soften hearts to receive you in this time. Help those who are angry, help those who feel oppressed, help those who feel lost. Lord, help those who just don't know what to say. Father, we are looking to you to lead and to guide us in all things, through all things.
Lord, give us the boldness to stand on your word; to proclaim your glory; to share the gospel throughout the land, over and over and over again. Lord, let us not be selfish, thinking of our own interests, but let us think of others better than ourselves. Let us not be partial to others, Lord, but let us remember that every person is an image-bearer of you. Let us treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, regardless of their socioeconomic status, regardless of anything else, Lord. Let us remember that every person is unique and special in your eyes.
God, we love you. We need you. We repent of all the ways that we have sinned against you. And we pray that you will purge us and clean us up and make us new, so that we will be able to continue the work that you have set before us. And we will be forever careful to give you all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor, forever and ever.
It is in Jesus Christ’s name that I pray. Amen.
Portia Collins is also a contributor to His Testimonies, My Heritage. Hear the voices of women of color on the most important subject in any age—the word of God.
Hear the voices of women of color on the most important subject in any age—the word of God.
This inspiring collection of devotions is by a diverse group of women of color—African-American, Hispanic, Caribbean, and Asian women. Contributors include Kristie Anyabwile, Jackie Hill-Perry, Trillia Newbell, Elicia Horton, Christina Edmondson, Blair Linne, Bev Chao Berrus and more.
Portia Collins is a Christian Bible teacher, writer/blogger, and podcast host. Portia and her husband, Mikhail, have a daughter and currently live in the Mississippi Delta.