Like 9/11, January 6, 2021 was a day I never imagined seeing.

To see American insurrectionists storm the United States Capitol under the pretext of  “protesting” was a bewildering as seeing jets fly into the Twin Towers. But to hear other Americans excuse or defend this knocked me for a loop.

Now, it feels like the days after 9/11 with  the dread of something worse that will follow the disaster.

The first week of 2021 was the pandemic, politics, and riots rolled into one ball and its shock value has been exponential

Doug reminded me on Nehemiah’s initial prayer . . . he loved his country, which was in trouble; his people, who were desperate, and he was aware of his limitations.

It’s a pattern for prayer – because I sure don’t know what to ask.

Forgive your church for seeking power through politicians; for holding double standards, for forgetting her commission.
Please forgive me for getting angry and frustrated with the trek through these uncertain days . . . and hating where I should have been serving.

But God don’t let me forget to whom I pray . . . it’s way to easy to forget what Nehemiah did not. He used  the adjective awesome correctly!

You, Lord, are  infinite, personal, and good; Lord, you have a purpose that is bigger than my personal peace and affluence. And America  — the nation I love is –is a drop in the bucket of your universe.

Looks like 2021 might be a year to reread the prophets; Daniel for sure.  He made something of his life in uncertain and alien times.  Just like Jeremiah told his people to do; people to whom the unthinkable was happening. Settle down, serve and pray for the peace of the city. ( Jeremiah 29)

So, I needed this good word a friend shared:

“In chaos or calm our role is to leave a picture of the Kingdom wherever we go.” Lecrae:

That’s God’s Kingdom . . . not mine.

Thank you for Your servants who help us to pray – The US Senate Chaplain led legislators in payer after the worst day in my memory of American history.

BARRY BLACK’S Prayer,

Lord of our lives and sovereign of our beloved nation, we deplore the desecration of the United States Capitol building, the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of life, and the quagmire of dysfunction that threaten our democracy.

These tragedies have reminded us that words matter and that the power of life and death is in the tongue. We have been warned that eternal vigilance continues to be freedom’s price.

Lord, you have helped us remember that we need to see in each other a common humanity that reflects your image.

You have strengthened our resolve to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies domestic as well as foreign.

Use us to bring healing and unity to our hurting and divided nation and world. Thank you for what you have blessed our lawmakers to accomplish in spite of threats to liberty.

Bless and keep us. Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to do your will and guide our feet on the path of peace. And God bless America. We pray in your sovereign name, amen.

From another prophet

God’s good word to Zeubbabel reminds me to how to be useful even if facing an unimaginable mess – not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit says the Lord Almighty – do not despise the day of small beginnings.  (Zechariah 4:6, 10)