There is so much hate in this country. So much division.

And people on every side of the debates and decisions, people of every persuasion and preference, are increasingly responding to all the hate and division with violence. It’s a sickness. And it feels like it’s getting worse.

As children of God and followers of Christ Jesus, we are thankful that the attacker at last night’s dinner in Washington D.C. was apprehended before he could do what it looks like he intended to do. We thank God.

We can also be thankful for the law enforcement officers who did what God has established them to do: Stop evil. Punish wrongdoers.

And we can pray for our country. We can pray for our elected leaders, starting with President Trump and all the way down the chain.

And we should commit as Christians to not be a part of the sickness.

As children of God and disciples of Christ, we do not sow hate, division, fear, or violence. We refuse to participate in any of that.

So, what do we do? How do we respond?

We live. We live as beacons of hope and shining examples of our Lord’s saving love and grace and peace. In our country. In Midland. And around the world. We refuse to participate in the sickness of division and hate. In Jesus’ name, we refuse.

And we pray.

Dear Father, 

In the name of Jesus we thank you that no one was seriously injured last night in D.C. One bullet was stopped by a protective vest. And we give you thanks for that. Thank you. 

We pray for our country. We pray for our elected officials. For all the Republicans. And for all the Democrats. Protect them, Father. Give them safety and wisdom, clarity and compassion, unity and purpose. God, please bring those people together for the sake of everyone who lives in this country. 

We lift law enforcement organizations and officers up to you in Jesus’ name. We pray for these women and men who protect our elected officials who are under increasing physical threats of violence and death. Give them safety and courage, wisdom and quick discernment. 

We also pray for your holy Church. We pray for us. For Christians. For we who bear your holy image and wear the name of your holy Son and are the dwelling place of your Holy Spirit. 

May all your churches in America reflect more of your love and more of your joy and more of your peace. And all your churches in Midland. 

May our individual lives be characterized by more patience, more kindness, and more goodness. To our fellow man. To our neighbors. To our enemies. 

May we demonstrate a deeper faithfulness, a growing gentleness, and an increased self-control. 

Father, heal us. In Jesus’ name, forgive us. Holy Spirit, restore us. 

May your Kingdom come, Lord. Quickly. And may your will be done in D.C. and Moscow and Austin and Tehran and Tel Aviv and Midland, just as it is in heaven. 

Amen.