Throughout the Internet I keep seeing the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. Every time I see it, I am reminded that all lives matter, and those who have been culturally marginalized / oppressed deserve a special place of honor because of the wrongs they have suffered. It breaks God’s heart to see people, who are created in His image, being mistreated or downtrodden. We are all equally loved and valued in His eyes. We are all worthy of honor, respect, and love from others. God has a special place in His heart for those who are persecuted, and He asks that we do too.
Father God, You who defends the cause of the fatherless and widow, You who loves the foreigner giving them food and clothing, may You be given the highest praises. You raise the poor from the dust and lift the needy from the ash heap; You seat them with princes and give them a throne of honor as an inheritance. You are a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Please arise to protect the weak and needy from oppression and from those who malign them. Please change the hearts of us who oppress and show contempt, teaching us to honor You through our kindness to those who are downtrodden. Please teach us to do right, seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend their cause and plead their cases. Like Jesus, please give us a missional heart to preach the good news to the poor of spirit, proclaim freedom for the prisoners and release the oppressed from their oppressors. May Your Spirit rest on us, giving us wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, knowledge and fear of You O Lord, so we may obediently love those around us. In the name of Jesus who poured out His love unto all who had need, amen.
[Inspired by Deu 10:18, 1 Sam 2:8, Psa 9:9, Psa 12:5, Pro 14:31, Isa 1:17, Lk 4:18, Isa 11:2]
~ Conqueror in Training