When we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty all around us, Scripture is clear that the church’s primary response must be one of prayer. We firmly believe that any move of God begins with us humbly coming to Him in repentance for sin and seeking revival.

On September 27th we held a “Repentance Sunday” prayer service at Outward Church Outward elders and leaders identified several topics of repentance and led us in a time of guided prayer and scripture for each one. We are posting these prayers on our blog so that you can continue to pray through these topics of repentance on your own. We believe in the power of prayer and want to be a church devoted to prayer. Let’s seek the Lord together!

Racism is, of course, a huge issue in society and politics today. It is a subject that can be both confusing and convicting. Whatever is going on in the world around us, we are obligated personally to get on our knees before God and ask Him to forgive us of our personal transgressions of racism, whenever and however it has been manifested.

The following is a responsive form of prayer, each section beginning with a scripture and guided prayer for you to read, and then a blank space meant to allow for a time of contemplation and personal prayer:

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17:26 

Our gracious Father, You created all people in Your image. Each person in this world is so precious and so valuable that Jesus came to earth to die for them. Forgive us for losing sight of that precious Truth.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Lord, If we’ve wronged someone and racism is the root of that wrong, lead us to repent. 

Show us our own prejudices so we can seek Your forgiveness. 

Guide us to act in ways that lead to true justice. 

By Your grace, help us to see racial tension and hatred as a tool Satan uses to keep us from experiencing and sharing the richness of Your love. 

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9

Lord, Help us to love the way you love and to spread the good news of reconciliation through Christ to our families, our city and our world. 

In Jesus’ Name, amen.