One or more of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs

Bidding Prayers

• For those who suffer racial abuse or injustice, that the love of God may enfold and support them
• For tolerance and respect in and for our local communities, that we may have an openness to neighbours and strangers.
• For the broadening of our horizons, that we grow in curiosity and compassion towards the world around us.

Suggested Concluding Prayer

O God, who shows a father’s care for all, grant, in your mercy, that the members of the human race, to whom you have given a single origin, may form in peace a single family and always be united by a fraternal spirit.

Through Christ our Lord.

Roman Missal, Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice

Other Prayers

Heavenly Father, thank you for leading us, may we never falter on this journey we have undertaken. instead we offer you the difficulties and the challenges encountered on this road, knowing that each pilgrim step, taken in faith, and in love for you and our brothers and sisters will bring us closer to that end which is your desire for us – justice for all your people.

Let the words of the Prophet ‘Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord that he may teach us his ways, that we may walk in his paths’ guide our thinking and decisions. Remind us again, Lord, that to achieve racial justice we must remind ourselves that all are equal, all are gift, all are brothers and sisters.  

—

Our Father who are in heaven,
Creator of all the races in your world
Hallowed by Thy name,
Praised and beloved by all your people of whatever colour and race.
Thy Kingdom come,
Where racial justice prevails and all are welcome
Without favour or discrimination.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Where we will strive to live as sisters and brothers bound together as your children.
Give us this day
A day of enlightenment when we recognise all peoples are equal in your sight
Our daily bread
To share with our neighbours of whatever colour, race or creed.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us
Forgive the wrong of the colonial past, the oppression of slavery, the assumption of white privilege and the ongoing racism hidden in ourselves and our communities.
Lead us not into temptation
Of pride and denial of truth,
But deliver us from the evil
Of racism which divides communities and destroys lives.
As Christian men and women, we pledge our active commitment to seek racial justice and equity for everyone both individually and institutionally.
For Thine is the Kingdom, the Pover and the Glory,
Which will transform us all
For ever and ever,
Amen.

These prayers were circulated for use on Racial Justice Sunday in previous years.

God of light and truth,
you call all men and women to live lives of holiness and justice.
Help us to see in one another: a heart which is tender, a mind which is humble
and a care for our brothers and sisters;
so that together we may build up the Body of Christ as a sign of hope and mercy for all.
We make this prayer through Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

—-

God of our past, present and future, 
you created each one of us in your image and likeness,
help us to recognise you in each person.

As we pray for end to suffering caused by racism
lead us this day to walk with one another,
pray with one another and work together,
so that we create a future based on justice and healing,
where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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