Promoting and discussing racial reconciliation and racial unity is needed now more than ever in the United States of America. After centuries of slavery, ongoing oppression and racism that the Black community still has to face in this age in America are outrageous and unjustifiable. It is time to talk about what is right and fair, what is need most right now to help the Black community heal and recover from all the pain and violence they have faced. Author, Rev. Mark Crear’s latest book, Peace Be Still 978-1-950088-90-4 tackles the topics of racial reconciliation and unity in a unique manner. The book also provides readers with valuable tools, real-life experiences, and statistical facts that can assist leaders, whether religious or not, to normalize and support racial reconciliation among their people and communities. Crear writes on how churches can play one of the most important roles in spreading and fostering racial unity and reconciliation. People will believe and listen to the world of the Lord and His son, Jesus Christ.
Southern Baptist Convention has designated Sunday, February 14, as Racial Reconciliation Sunday. Pastors from across the country have contributed prayers as believers pray and prepare their hearts for racial reconciliation. Here are the 7 prayers you and your loved ones can use:
· God, may we glorify You by reflecting Your values among Your people. Let the truth of Your Word be the standard by which we measure right and wrong, and the standard by which we accept people, regardless of skin color, class, or culture. (Contributor: Chris Green, The Summit Church)
· Lord, give us the strength to strive for oneness, not sameness. Allow us to see that the mystery of the gospel involves You uniting all people together in Christ, so we would recognize all groups and cultures as important and valuable. (Contributor: Chris Green, The Summit Church)
· Please help us make the gospel the main thing that unites us, instead of communication style, worship style, or culture. (Contributor: Jerome Gay, Vision Church)
· Gracious God, we ask that You would raise up more minority leaders within the Southern Baptist Convention and others to serve alongside of them. (Contributor: Jerome Gay, Vision Church)
· Lord, work in and through us so that Sunday morning worship in America would no longer be the most segregated time of the week. May we truly become a priesthood from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. (Contributor: Lawrence Yoo, Waypoint Church)
· Heavenly Father, please open our eyes and hearts to the hurts and concerns of people from all races and ethnicities. We ask that the Holy Spirit would compel us to develop genuine friendships with people from other races and ethnic groups. (Contributor: Lawrence Yoo, Waypoint Church)
· Lord, help our international brothers and sisters here in North Carolina to be bold in their faith to reach out to their own people. May they become individuals and churches that are active members of our convention and in Baptist life.
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