Prayers for our Nation

Like so many of you, I was heartbroken by the scenes of violence in our nation’s capitol.  People have the right to voice opinion and even protest but they should be peaceful, orderly and respectful.  It seems like for some time instead of listening to each other we have instead been engaged in name-calling and blaming.  We seem to have lost the art of civil discourse and respect that is such a vital part of democracy as well as civil life.  I hope we can all begin to heal and put aside differences and work together as one nation.   It seems that a vital part of this is to learn to treat each person with dignity and respect and work for the good of all.  Our Lord gave us a great guide on how to treat each other which has become known as the Golden Rule that people have treasured and tried to practice down through the years:
 
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12)
 
I hope you will join me in praying for a healing of our nation and all of our hearts and lives as we try to unite together and work for the good of everyone.  It is time to put aside differences and work together. 
 
Join me in praying for our nation:   Most High, grant that we may discover again the value of each person, and help us to put aside the enmity which divides, and work toward the good of all.   Help us to learn again to listen to each other respectfully, to act with kindness, to work for justice for all, and walk humbly as we follow you with a renewed vision.  Amen.