Today, I pray for the people hurting. I pray for those who are attacked and belittled, who are scared and alone. I pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who mourn the lives that will never be lived. I pray for the orphans and widows, for the fathers left childless; I pray for the displaced peoples and the lost souls. Today, I pray for peace, healing, and mercy.
Today, I pray for the men and women in leadership around the world. I pray for guidance and knowledge, knowledge that will enable them to lead their people safely and wisely. I pray that those being led will find peace in recognizing that all positions of leadership are ordained and allowed from the beginning of time, no matter how terrifying following that leadership may be. I pray for wise minds and steady resolve, and confidence instead of fear. Today, I pray for leaders who will stand firm to consistently pursue what is right and just and noble.
Today, I pray for the news media. I pray that they are transparent and honest, providing the public with the information that we need to be knowledgeable. I pray that they tell the whole story, that they celebrate the triumphs and solemnly share the defeats. I pray that they do not lose heart in the face of great diversity and that they recognize the importance of their role to the world. Today, I pray for those whose responsibility it is to bring forward the corruption and pain of the day.
Today, I pray for discernment between what is right and what is wrong. I pray that the people of the world would act out of love and not fear, that we would serve those in need and protect those who need protection. I pray for the knowledge to discern unerringly, not to rely on political correctness or differences in religion or race. Today, I pray for wise actions and open arms.
Today, I pray for America. I pray for safety and security for the country that has always been a refuge of freedom. I pray that the nation built on Christian values and Biblical standards stands firm against the scrutiny of today's world and continues to seek those noble ideals that have led us to victory since the beginning. Today, I pray that the United States recognizes our role in leading the world, and does so justly.
Today, I pray for the warring hearts, the warring minds, the warring countries, and the warring peoples. I pray for unity amidst the great brokenness, for open eyes untainted by judgment or racism or opposition. I pray for great peace and understanding, and reliance on the Prince of Peace. Today, I pray that those with disquieted spirits will find release from anger and despair and grow to seek peacefulness.
Today, I pray for hope. I pray for the hope that is given to us by the promise of a Savior, and I pray that those who are lost would soon be found. I pray that those already found would teach the world that evil is not an enemy, but an absence of light. I pray that that light would be spread. I pray for release from fear, release from pain, and release from suffering. Today, I pray for redemption and salvation in a world of turmoil.
Today, I give thanks. Thanks that there is hope, and there is peace, and there is healing. I give thanks that the long-arc hope of salvation is greater than any promise of pain, or loss, or destruction. I am thankful for the ones still on this earth fighting for good and seeking justice, full of love for others. Today, I am thankful.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.'" Revelations 21:4-5.
