Lord, Have Mercy on Us!

America is once again shocked, devastated, and in pain by the shootings at a Catholic school, Charlie Kirk, police officers, the deadly stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, 23 years old, on a train, and more cases. It seems America, our culture is broken; so we are broken with feelings of pain, rage, helplessness, and frustration. Lord, have mercy!

Turning to God is the most powerful tool in our arsenal.

As I seek God's mercy, I sensed that God was making a couple of His points to me.

1. You shall not murder (5th Commandment)

2. Forgive as you are forgiven and forgive seventy times seven times (Mt 18)

3. Love one another (Jn 13:34)

4. Treat others as you want to be treated (Lk 6:31)

5. Pray (1 Thess. 5:16–18).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that we must forgive others to be forgiven (Mt 6:14-15) and that the merciful shall receive mercy (Mt 5:7). Later, Mt 18:21-22 tells us to forgive, seventy-seven times. I admit that it is a challenging task. We do not have the power to forgive, or change the world, nor conquer evil with good. So we need God and His mercy and help. Intercession prayer is a God-given, powerful weapon for His people. Therefore, on behalf of the Conference Prayer Team, I invite and encourage everyone and all churches in our conference to join us in praying the following prayers daily in October. The prayer will take one minute. We cannot change the hearts of people or the world, but when we pray, God works. 

Intercession Prayer for America: Heavenly Father, we come to You with a broken and devastated heart, asking for Your forgiveness, grace, and mercy for me and America for not living as You teach. We pray for comfort, healing, forgiveness, and peace for people who have lost their loved ones in these terrible tragedies. We pray for healing and reconciliation, and respect. May we treat others as we want to be treated. We pray for Your wisdom, blessings, guidance, and power to be upon the aspects of family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government in America. May America turn back to righteousness, peace, and holiness. Jesus, please strengthen us that we may conquer evil with good, compassion, truth, forgiveness, and living as Your light-bearers. Jesus, we enthrone You and proclaim You are the King of Kings and the Lord of the lords. All glory, honor, and power are Yours now and forever, Jesus. Amen.