Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. Psalm 7:9

The escalating political tension and violence in the United States is disturbing to say the least. Yesterday Rep. Steve Scalise was shot in the left hip during a congressional baseball practice, causing fractured bones, injuring internal organs, and causing severe bleeding. Scalise was one of several people hit by gunfire yesterday in Alexandria, Virginia. The attacker, disgruntled over the Presidential election, was shot and later died.

Violence always backfires.

As in the days of Noah, violence is on the rise. Rather than working and praying for change in our country, people resort to bloodshed to make their point. Violence isn’t the answer. Prayer is!

Let’s pray for strategies to end the hostility and bloodshed.

Father,

We bring our nation to You, asking for wisdom to know how to pray. We have observed an increase in political polarization which has led to schisms and serious circumstances.

Lord, show us how to embrace the fact that we have opposing views; give us open minds to see things from others’ perspectives, and help us, while staying true to our convictions, to work to find solutions that are win/win-based.

We lift up Representative Scalise to You today. Please heal Him of the multiple wounds this attack has caused. Lord, we pray that You would touch His body and make him whole again. Restore him to his post soon, and give him new resolve to find ways to mend our country’s gaping wounds, so like his own.

Be with his family, no doubt stunned by this tragic attack. May they sense Your overwhelming peace and protection.

Give our leaders of both political parties fresh determination to quell the violence through acts of peace, through united prayer, and gestures of love.

Start with me, Lord. Give me a love for those with whom I disagree. Help me to agree to disagree peacably and to genuinely enjoy others with whom my personal political philosophy differs.

Help me to value life as a gift from You and never seek to detract from the life of another through thoughts, words, or actions that are hateful. Rid me of any hint of hate.

Teach me to love, as You love. Teach us all.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Psalm 122
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.