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Dear God, I woke up this morning feeling unsettled and it’s probably my own fault. For the last two-plus years I have found myself drawn to our nation’s political situation like a moth to a flame. I think it started with the Republican convention in August 2016. I was off work that week, and I spent way too much time reading the political news. After it was over, I felt almost like a person with a recovering alcoholic that had just fallen off the wagon and gone on a bender. I realized that, although it might have felt good in the moment, at the end of the day I was no better off and I hadn’t changed the world around me for the better either.
So I’ve tried to have this policy since then of limiting my media consumption, but over the last 48 hours I allowed myself to dive into my figurative bottle of Jack Daniels and have a grand old time. The news cycles, after all, have been remarkable. So I’ve read excerpts from books and editorials. It was all fascinating stuff, and the history books that will be written of this period in our country will bring even more intrigue. Some might wonder how we ever survived this period.
So what do I do with all of this. Do I allow it to harden my heart, put me deeper into my trench, and stoke my anger at those with whom I disagree? Do I yell at people on social media, make snide comments with my coworkers, and put a hateful bumper sticker on my car? Do I just keep reading more and more, filling my soul with the opinions of others instead of with your peace? The answer to all of these is probably no.
Father, what I’m left with is that I need to let this motivate me to really beseech your favor, grace, and provision for our country and this world. I need all three branches of our government to be good and submitted to you. I need our state and local governments to be submitted to you and directed by you. I need your influence in the world. I need your influence in Washington. I need to first bring myself into your presence to worship you. I need you to use me in the small piece of the world where you’ve placed me. Love through me. Care for others through me. Bring your presence into our community through me. And as far as our current national politics, I pray that you will please be with every person in the executive branch and guide them. Holy Spirit, rain down upon the president and everyone in his administration. Help us, as Christians, to take our eyes off of the idols we have created for ourselves. Whether we are Republicans and we have looked to the President and the Supreme Court as our providers, or we are Democrats and we have looked to the minority in Congress and the press to do our bidding, help us to put all of that aside and strongly pursue you. For those in power, help them to seek you in their decision making and to do the right thing. And with that, I leave it in your hands and will get about the work you have put before me today.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
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