A Jesus Prayer in Turbulent Times

America is a Polarized Nation

After a turbulent and violent week in American politics, I woke at 2:00 a.m. this morning unable to sleep. As I got out of bed to pray, Jesus made it clear to me that his answer to our political strife is not more shouting. If the American church is to make a positive impact in the short and long-term, it will be when Jesus-followers all across the political spectrum follow his example and teaching. 

If you profess to follow Christ, will you pray this two-minute prayer each morning for 30 days so Jesus' people lead the nation in making peace? Will you ask five friends to join you in praying it for 30 days? I'm praying for 10,000 to join this prayer movement. You may pray it as you read it silently or aloud, or you may pray it by listening to me in the audio link below. You may download a PDF version of the prayer here.

A Prayer

Jesus, may all of us who profess to be your followers, walk humbly with you this day. May we hear your voice and follow you as you call us by name. We will not follow strangers, but flee from them, because we don’t know their voice (John 10:1-5). 

This day may we acknowledge how poor we are in our own spirit — that apart from you we can do nothing.  

This day may we mourn when we see and sense all that is wrong — knowing you will be our comfort. 

This day may we be gentle so we may inherit the earth when you come again. 

This day may we hunger and thirst to do what is right in every situation, so we may be satisfied at the end of the day. 

This day may we be filled with mercy toward those with whom we differ so you will show mercy toward us.

This day may our hearts be pure of motives that are self-seeking and self-serving, knowing these are the kind of people you show yourself to.

This day may we be people who make peace, who build bridges across divides, not burn them. This is how we will be recognized as your children.

This day when we face consequences for doing what is right, comfort us with the knowledge that we are in your kingdom. 

This day may we align ourselves with you more than any other person, party or entity, so we can take comfort when we are reviled, persecuted or spoken against because you alone are the one we live for (Matthew 5:3-11).

This day, to be great in your kingdom, may we lower ourselves to the status of children who are at peace in our trust in you — not in need of power or position (Matthew 18:3-4). 

This day may we love you well with all our affection, with all our soul and with all our thoughts (Matthew 22:37).

This day may we love our neighbor, those who are like us and those who are different from us, as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). 

Here is the audio version of the prayer

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If you are willing to pray for this prayer each day for 30 days, please click here and add your name. It will appear in the list below.