It's safe to say that, for most of us, this has been the most challenging year experienced in recent times. We still don't know who will be President in 2021 and we still don't know how much longer the pandemic will dominate our lives - or if it may even get worse. 

Although we cannot control what happens around us, we can control how we respond to it. Just as importantly, we can help others become aware that, even in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, peace is still possible.

I believe that we stand at a crossroads for our nation and for our world. Even as our leadership still struggles to re-assert itself, it is my hope that we take the results - whatever they may be - as an opportunity to reconcile, heal and move forward.

As we have moved farther away from one nation “under God” to what is essentially many societies, following many different (and often conflicting) ideologies, the barriers that divide us continue to widen. Small triggering events have re-opened many old and deep wounds. Instead of continuing to harm ourselves this way, we must resolve to stop the conflict that threaten to tear us apart. And, as Christians, our first and surest way is to run to Jesus, the Good Shepherd who knows our needs and cares for us more than we can possibly imagine or comprehend.

Please join me in prayer at this time that we can work with our leaders and with each other to overcome the difficulties that continue to plague us. Growing through conflict and learning from it instead of allowing it to consume us, may we turn to God once again, asking Him to bless our nation and our people.

Grace in the Wilderness
God, creator of light and goodness,
may we find grace in the wilderness. (Based on Jeremiah 31:2)

Help this great nation emerge from chaos and fear to
healing and tranquility.

We ask our leaders to act with insight and honor,
to carry authority with humility and compassion.
Righteousness exalts a nation. (Proverbs 14:34)

And as for me, Holy One of Blessing,
may this be my prayer:

Still my troubled being,
for I yearn to emerge from darkness and confusion.

Lift me, carry me, set me upon a rock
that I may feel safe within the storm.
I have sat in the valley of tears long enough.

Strengthen my resolve that I may be a force for good,
a light when there is darkness.

Help me be guided by acts of love and kindness,
compassion and understanding.

May I find the way to transcend my inclination for strife
and be a bearer of hope and righteousness.

Though I have fallen, I rise again;
though I sit in darkness, God is my light. (Micah 7:8)

Guide me, comfort me, grant me strength.
May this be my prayer. Amen.