“If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Our land needs healing. Violence and the destruction that gun violence brings to our communities and families are too frequent to consider it someone else’s problem to face.
A recent University of Chicago poll found that the majority of adults in America view reducing gun violence and protecting gun ownership as important. Everyone wants safer schools and more resources for those in need of mental and emotional health resources. If this is the case, why aren’t we doing more to make these ideals become a reality?
We are not powerless to act. May we commit this Sunday—and the entirety of September—to plead for help before God that we might become agents of peace and justice in this hurting world.
When the people of God gather for prayer, we are reminded that we are not alone and that our intercession and confession is not an idle exercise. As Christians, we are called to weep with those who weep and to walk with those who mourn. We are also called to be responsible with those in public and private sectors to support policies that advance safety. May it be so.
Let us pray.
Blessed God of Creation,
Help us in our hour of need. Lead us not into temptation nor despair. We are at war with ourselves when we see guns used to resolve disputes and end mental anguish. May your love for us that you have guaranteed through Jesus be magnified in us so that others may receive hope in places of hatred. With the power of the Holy Spirit, may we change the things we cannot accept any longer. We have spent too many hours preparing for funerals and too few hours in prayer. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
In the name of Jesus, who died that we might have life,
Amen.
Bishop Julius C. Trimble
Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church