In the wake of yesterday’s historic decision yesterday in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the tragic and senseless murder of George Floyd, here’s a prayer taken from my book A Chequered Legacy (book 1), on the theme of racism, praying that we may perhaps be a step closer to seeing an end to this canker in our society.
Loving God,
forgive the racism that has scarred our world across the centuries –
the hatred it has engendered,
persecution it has led to,
injustices and misery it has caused,
violence, murder and genocide it has been used to justify.
Forgive the racism that has scarred the Church over the years:
persecution of Jews and Muslims,
the iniquity of apartheid,
innate white elitism,
rank prejudice and discrimination.
Reach out to those who continue to be victims of racism today,
being intimidated,
discriminated against,
victimised,
abused,
suffering on account of the colour of their skin or place of origin.
Prosper, we pray, the work of all those who work to combat racism,
and break down the barriers of prejudice that keep people apart,
so that everyone,
everywhere,
may learn to recognise, respect and value the common humanity we share.
Amen.