“The way of peace they do not know;

there is no justice in their paths.”

- Isaiah 59:8

Heavenly Father, in your fatherly love and discipline,

Jesus Christ Lord, in your brotherly love and protection,

Holy Spirit, in your guidance and empowerment,

We are at war with ourselves,

Our adults with our children,

Our workers with our businesses,

Our founding values with those who aim to destroy us,

We are at war inside and out.

We are self-destructing.

This week, a one-year-old kid died,

And, three more were hospitalized

For fentanyl exposure in their daycare.

This acutely lethal drug is spreading

Throughout our nation

Killing our people,

Our children and our young adults.

Primarily sourced in China,

Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances

Are trafficked into America

Through a weak and open border.

More than 90,000 people

Were arrested at the U.S. border in August alone,

The most on record.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported 

A 900% increase in border crossings 

Through the Mexican border

From Chinese nationals

In 2023 year-to-date—

18,000 Chinese nationals

The vast majority being single men of military age,

Not families,

Many of these migrants being members of

The Chinese Communist Party

And the People’s Liberation Army.

To what purpose?

And, to what end?

Our enemies infiltrate our culture

And, tear us apart

To create a nation divided.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God;

Be my fortress against those who are attacking me.

Deliver me from evildoers

And save me from those who are after my blood.

See how they lie in wait for me!

Fierce men conspire against me.”

-Psalm 59:1-3

“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and rebelled; we have turned away from your commandments and laws.

Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. We do not make requests because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

-Daniel 9:4-5 & 9:17-19

In God We Trust.

Lord, we were a nation founded in your image,

Pursuing freedom,

Our God-given free will,

But, trusting in you and your good will.

Let us find our way back to you.

Forgive us in your grace and mercy.

Open the hearts and minds of my countrymen.

Free them from Nebuchadnezzar’s madness.

Fill them with your holy spirit,

Give them peace and wisdom

So, that America can once again be

The shining city on a hill,

Shining with your glory

For your glory.

In Christ’s name.

AMEN.