Pray Through Turmoil
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”
Before Jesus’ farewell He spoke to His disciples to bring peace to what was sure to be an unsettling time for them. He wanted to reassure them, to calm their fears, ultimately to bring quiet to their inner turmoil. He wanted to make sure that they understood that they would experience troubling times but the need not worry, His death, His crucifixion but most importantly His resurrection would bring victory. The sacrifice of His life would bring comfort to our spirit.
Today is a historic time as the forty sixth president of the United States of America was sworn into office. We have gone through some difficult, challenging and unimaginable events and we know that the task of leading this nation should not be taken lightly or for granted. No one person can lead such a vast group of people without the wisdom and knowledge of the complexities of the world in which we live. There is some healing that needs to take place, some reconciliation, some forgiveness, some self-examination. It is a day and a time to pray for our country, its leaders, its people and to seek the divine guidance of God.
I ask you to join me in prayer…
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I lift up to you today this nation, a nation divided by political, racial, and socioeconomic disparities. While we’ve elected officials who will govern our country over the next four years, we seek Your counsel, Your wisdom for our leaders that they would govern wisely, fairly, and honestly, that they would be given strength to endure, that they would be driven by Your passion and concern for the poor, the disadvantaged, the widows and the orphans. Heal us from anger and divisiveness and help us together to seek the common good for all people.
And then Precious Father, we pray for peace in our world but not only for our world but also for peace in our heart that we may boldly face whatever lies ahead knowing that our lives are in Your hand.
Humbly we pray,
Amen