Dear Lord of Life Family,

As we enter into February, a month dedicated to Black History, we take time to reflect on the extraordinary resilience, courage, and strength of Black people throughout history in the face of oppression. Black resistance has manifested in countless ways—from artistic expression to social movements, from everyday acts of defiance to bold public uprisings. But one form of resistance that often goes unnoticed is the act of prayer.

In a world that seems filled with injustice, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do we respond when those in power do not seem to have our best interests in mind? Can we, as Christians, still pray for them? And if so, how?

It is in times like these that prayer can be a radical form of resistance. Prayer does not mean we accept or endorse injustice. It does not mean that we are helpless or passive. In fact, prayer can be an act of defiance against the status quo, a declaration that we will not accept the oppression of others.

Take, for example, the powerful story of Harriet Tubman. Tubman, known for her tireless work on the Underground Railroad, once prayed for the very man who enslaved her. In March of 1849, she said, “Oh Lord, if you ain't never going to change that man's heart, kill him, Lord, and take him out of the way.” This raw prayer, borne from deep pain and suffering, was a cry for justice and change in a world that seemed unwilling to do either. Tubman later expressed regret, as the man did not change, and soon after, he passed away. It is an example of how prayer, even for those who wrong us, can be an act of resistance, a plea for transformation—not just in others, but in the systems of injustice that bind us all.

A member of our Bible study group once asked how it is possible to pray for those in leadership, especially when their actions harm us and others. Jesus, in Matthew 5:43-48, teaches us to pray for our enemies: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven...”

To pray for our enemies is not to condone their actions or to stop resisting them. It is a challenge to ourselves, a call to recognize the humanity in all, and a request that God would transform hearts, including our own. By praying for those who oppress us, we invite God’s will for justice and peace to take hold in the world. We ask for healing—for them and for ourselves. We ask for change, for liberation, and for God's justice to prevail.

As we remember Black History Month and reflect on the deep struggles that so many have faced and continue to face, we understand that prayer, as a form of resistance, is both personal and collective. It is our call to seek God’s justice, to pray for those who need transformation, and to boldly declare that we will not settle for a world where oppression reigns.

Prayer for Transformation

God of justice and peace,
We come before you today with heavy hearts, seeking Your presence in the midst of pain and division. We pray for the strength to love those who oppose us and the courage to stand against systems of injustice. We lift up our enemies, leaders and those in positions of power, and all those who perpetuate harm, asking that You transform their hearts and minds.

We ask for peace—peace that comes not from the absence of conflict, but from the deep, abiding presence of Your love and justice. Help us to hold on to the hope that Your kingdom is coming, where all are free, where love reigns, and where Your justice is done.
May we never tire in our resistance for what is right, and may our prayers be a powerful act of faith, hope, and transformation in a world that needs You.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who showed us the way of love and resistance.
Amen.

 

Happy Black History Month!



Rev. Adam Dowd

Pastor, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Darien.