Protest With Prayer

Americans are stunned. In the first five months of 2020, not only have we been discouraged by political battles and world-wide pandemic devastation, but most recently we have also been shocked and angered by a racist crime which has resulted in nation-wide protests, as well as lawlessness. This latest tragedy has exposed the fact that “we the people” are still struggling to be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

As in other times of national upheaval and crisis, the problems are once again being well documented, constantly reported, shared and shouted, sometimes accurately and other times inaccurately. Emotions are high. Frustrations are boiling over. Accusations abound. However, meaningful solutions seem to be few. What can we do? What should we do?

Like most other people in our land, I cannot confidently give very many meaningful answers to those questions. However, there is one answer which is, without a doubt, the number one answer for people who have a genuine relationship with God. We can and we should pray. We should humble ourselves before God in heaven and seek him in this time of national confusion and confrontation. We should actually talk to the Lord and listen to him, however he chooses to speak to us. Then we should respond, whether publically or privately, in keeping with what the Bible clearly teaches us.

So in light of the tragic events that have stirred the emotions of all Americans, if you know the Lord Jesus Christ, then pray. Pray before you protest. Pray while keeping these and other portions of the Scriptures in mind:

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” (Psalm 106:3) “…Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17) “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people…” (Isaiah 10:1-2)

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” (Proverbs 24:11-12) “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:19-20) “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2)

As God’s people in our nation, let us pray and obey!

Pastor Doug Birky

Evangelical Free Church