Here’s a prayer of intercession from my book Complete Collected Intercessions, seeking God’s help and guidance in overcoming the scourge of racism that continues to blight so many lives.
Lord of all,
you have made us in your image,
each the work of your hands,
a unique and precious creation,
and we praise you for it.
Yet we remember also how, across the centuries and still today,
so many have endured prejudice and discrimination,
rejected because of the colour of their skin,
persecuted due to their creed or culture.
Reach out in love,
and heal our divisions.
Forgive the racism that still exists in our society –
the automatic attaching of labels,
the taunting and snide remarks,
the denial of opportunities,
the unconscious negative attitudes.
Break down the barriers that divide our world,
the ignorance and suspicion that inflict such pain on so many.
Reach out in love,
and heal our divisions.
Forgive the racism that exists within ourselves,
recognised or unrecognised –
the naïve assumptions and hidden biases –
and forgive us those times we have remained silent when we should have spoken up,
when we have ignored prejudice because we are personally unaffected.
Help us to see each individual in their own right,
and to appreciate their true worth.
Reach out in love,
and heal our divisions.
We pray for all who experience racism –
victims of verbal abuse or physical assault,
of social exclusion, deprivation and discrimination.
Give them courage to hold their heads high,
perseverance in standing up for their rights,
and support in times of adversity.
Reach out in love,
and heal our divisions.
We pray finally for those who work for change –
campaigning for equality of opportunity,
striving to break down preconceptions,
building bridges across divided communities.
Encourage them in their efforts,
and grant that through bringing people together
prejudices may be overcome.
Reach out in love,
and heal our divisions.
Lord of all,
you have made us in your image,
each one the work of your hands,
a unique and precious creation.
Break down everything that comes between us,
and grant unity to our divided world,
and a proper respect for all.
Reach out in love,
and heal our divisions.
Amen.