Pray for Dylann Roof

Earlier today, a jury found Dylann Roof guilty of killing 9 people at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. An avowed white supremacist, Roof admitted that he killed the churchgoers because they were black. Seeking to ignite a race war, Roof wanted to be a savior for white people. Now, the punishment phase of the trial will determine whether or not Roof faces the death penalty.

For the first few months, I prayed daily for the victims and their families of the Mother Emanuel shooting. On a regular basis, I still do. The shooting left a deep impression on my soul. I couldn’t fathom how anyone could commit such an atrocity. In the midst of my confusion, I turned to God. Over time, I felt the need to pray for Dylann Roof. At first, I resisted. How could I pray for someone so evil? After much prayer, I realized that Roof was a child of God and as worthy of prayer as any child of God. I started praying for Roof. I’m especially praying right now.

Soon, a jury will soon decide whether or not to sentence Dylann Roof to death. All followers of Jesus should join me in prayer. We cannot love our neighbor as our self and kill them. The words of Jesus are just as poignant now as they were back then. You can’t follow Jesus and be about killing. The death penalty is contrary to everything followers of Jesus believe. We have to pray for the killing to stop.

Pray for Dylann Roof.

Amen.