In the wake of rising violence against Asian Americans in the United States, we, Rooted Ministry, are grieved and angry. Through the years, God has blessed our ministry with many dear Asian American co-laborers and friends. Part of our body is suffering greatly. Brothers and sisters, we suffer with you, lamenting and condemning the racism, violence, and hatred you have endured. We thank God for you; we rejoice in our friendship with you; truly, you are dearly beloved. We commit to walking with you, united in Christ, until mourning is no more. Surely, He is coming soon.
Heavenly Father, would you cover our Asian American friends with your peace that passes understanding. May they know, deep down in their bones, that you are near them in their grief, in their anxiety, and in their anger. Would you give each of us courage, humility, and wisdom to know how to pursue justice and mercy… and how to weep with those who weep. Father, knit your children together as a multi-colored tapestry, shining out the beauty of the gospel to an onlooking world. Amen. (Mike McGarry)
I pray for a mighty hand of protection over your precious children of Asian heritage, especially Kevin, Tracy, Clark, Peter, Chris, and Michelle, and all whom they hold dear. That they would feel a certain and absolute sense of your presence and nearness as they wait at the bus stop, buy their groceries, and go about their daily lives. We lament the fact that these are activities many of us are privileged to engage in without having to worry. Lord, you are a God who reconciles and redeems; reconcile and redeem this broken nation as we eagerly wait for the day when all our sorrows will be no more. (Charlotte Getz)
Dear Lord Jesus, You tell us that you are near to the brokenhearted and that you save the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Jesus, there is none like you – none so merciful, loving, compassionate and kind. You are so very close. Lord, we are grieving the recent violence and hatred against Asian Americans in our country. Help our friends to fear not, for you are with us. Let us not be dismayed, for you are our God. Strengthen us, help us, uphold us with your righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). You tell us that we are precious in your eyes, honored, and that you love us (Isaiah 43:4). Father, we see this injustice as a spiritual battle. Remind us that we aren’t left helpless. Jesus, in you, we have the armor of God: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and readiness given by the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10-18). We long for you to somehow bring blessing out of this great injustice and deep sorrow. We love you, we trust you, and we ask all this in Jesus’ name. (Mary Beth Johnston)
Lord God, we grieve over the denigration of your image in our beloved Asian brothers and sisters. We are angry at the horrible ways they have been treated and we lament the racism that has continued to grow in our culture. Have mercy on us, O God, and bring healing to those who have suffered so much. Would you tend to our brokenhearted brothers and sisters with your compassionate hand, and would you expose and eradicate the evil that is fueling understandable fear. Help us to love with courage, intentionality, and advocacy, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Liz Edrington)
Jesus, I can hardly imagine the hurt and sadness and anger my Asian American friends have endured. But you don’t have to imagine, you know how they feel. You know what it is like to be on the receiving end of injustice, mockery, and cruelty. You love them so much that you joined with them in their suffering, in your life and in your death. I pray they will take heart knowing you are alive again, and You have overcome for us all. I pray my friends will feel Your unfailing love and compassionate presence. I pray they will rest in knowing that You will bring justice, and You are making all things new. (Anna Meade Harris)
Lord, you made all people in your image. Your heart is for justice, righteousness, love, and truth. Father, you promise to comfort those who mourn, to bring freedom to the oppressed, and to bring justice. Lord, as we lament and grieve alongside our Asian American brothers and sisters, be near and bind up the brokenhearted. May your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven. (Katherine Stine)
Our God, You are where our help comes from and the lifter of our heads. We are deeply troubled at racial violence against those made in Your own image. And just as you are our Burden-bearer, we want to help carry the burdens of our Asian American brothers and sisters in their pain. With the psalmists we cry out, how long, oh Lord? Our hearts are weary of the brokenness in this world and of the sin of our own hearts. We look to You, God of justice and grace, and to Your beloved Son, who promises to make all things new. Amen, come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly we pray. (Chelsea Kingston Erickson)
Father God, we know that your heart breaks when you see your children hurting. We pray that you would draw near to our Asian American brothers and sisters today. We pray that you would comfort their hearts and remind them of who you are. We pray that you would use us to support and love and care for our brothers and sisters, and that you would bring healing to your church and to our country. We are reminded each day of the brokenness of our world, and we pray that we would not turn a blind eye but would stand with your children, especially in their moments of pain and need. Lord, we thank you thank your kingdom has come and will come. Draw near to your church and unite us, both in our joys and in our sufferings, by the blood of Christ. Amen. (Mac Harris)
Our Father, our hearts grieve with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. In Psalm 29 your word promises, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” We ask you to pour our that strength and peace on this hurting community. We humbly pray that you will draw near and make your presence known as they process the recent and accumulating acts of violence and racism. We pray that you help to anchor them not in the fear of today, but the promise of hope we have in your eternal and heavenly Kingdom, where fear, suffering, racism and death will be no more. (Emily Heide)
