A Prayer for my Country

Below is a prayer penned by Irving Berlin in response to WWI. It was revised years later in response to WWII. Many of us know it was set to memorable music. The first stanza was meant to be spoken then the music begins…

“While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. “

God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above.

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.

Dearest, fairest, most amazing God–

I pray today for our sadly divided nation. We have stopped listening to one another and we have stopped learning from one another. America, listen up! In 2021, national division does not look good on you. You look sloppy and unkempt. You look vulnerable to those who may wish harm upon you.

Abe Lincoln knew this when he stated that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

The Lord teaches us the same.

Luke 11:17

“But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.”

Mark 3:24-26

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”

I pray for this woeful national situation to cease.

I believe many things can destroy a nation; apathy and/or division being two of them. Those who do not care enough leave society weak and unconnected. Those who love so much that they stop listening to opposing views can leave society weak and unconnected. I pray for unity to come to America. It does not mean all citizens will agree, but it may mean we can look past divisional wickedness and breathe in the freedoms we have here, the privileges we have here, the variety of people we have here, the national gifts we own each and every day. May God restore our attitudes and sense of national purpose and pride and show us glimmers of hope for a more peaceful and thoughtful future. There is strength in togetherness. This is not a problem with our leadership, it is a problem with our hearts. Our nation’s success will not come from a man or a woman with good ideas. Our future belongs to a nation of people who will dare to work together and will dare further to honor the Lord and view his wisdom as the leadership and guide needed.

Almighty God, as our nation turns away, may indeed you remain in pursuit of our hearts.

Please stir our hearts on this Memorial Day 2021. AMEN

God bless America!