Prayer for Hate?

The other day I read a very discouraging article. It stated a best-selling devotional book contains a prayer asking God to hate white people. (“Rhythm of Prayer: Prayer of a Weary Black Woman”). The book was written by a woman with PhD with a bio that states she’s a theologian and psychologist. 

At first I was disbelieving that someone would publish a book that asks God to be hateful to anyone, let alone white people. Granted I have not read the book, and it’s really easy to throw hateful comments to this author. But I ask myself, is this an example of a ‘false prophet’? At the least using the Name of Jesus to hate on other people.

… then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.. 

MAT 24:11 (NKJV)

Does God want to hear prayers to hate other people just because of their skin color? I don’t think so. This is a person who has let her flesh rule and not follow the spirit of Jesus.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and send rain on the just and unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

MAT 5:43-46 (NKJV)

The Gospel tells us to love one another, even our enemies. The woman who wrote this prayer could be angry for good reason. I do not know her life experiences. It’s easy to hate. But it’s a dark path to take. Instead pray for that person or situation that has angered you. Ask God to help you see the good in people and understanding why something is happening. 

Ask for guidance not hate.