November 4, 2020

Dear Church of the Apostles,

I am writing after joining the millions and millions of people who voted on Tuesday. The mood of the nation is tense, by the time this note is delivered many ballots will still need to be counted, and no matter the outcome we are sure to remain a divided nation in many ways as the sun sets tonight.

So, what now?

One, we must sow peace and reject fear. Fear is paralyzing. It is a tool of the enemy to cause chaos and excuse behavior that is contrary to the will of God. Good news! Jesus is the remedy for fear (Luke 12:32; John 16:33). He not only tells us that we need not fear but invites us to join him in establishing peace on the earth (Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 4:18-19; John 14:27). We have been told on all sides that we should be afraid. Afraid of the winners. Afraid of the losers. Afraid of the process. Afraid of people who disagree with our politics. Stand against these fears by praying this prayer often in the days to come as an initial step to sowing peace.

OF SAINT FRANCIS Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is error, truth; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Two, we must remember that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and that Jesus alone is our King (Mark 15:26; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 19:16). We must unify together as his people, under his reign, and in the confidence and hope of his might, mercy, and justice. Pray this prayer as we continue unifying under the ascended King Jesus.

FOR UNITY O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

Three, as we have been discussing on Sunday mornings, we must be a people of worship, righteousness, and justice as God commands (Ezekiel 18; Micah 6:8) and Jesus taught and demonstrated (Matthew 22:37-40). Pray this prayer to continue setting our hearts and actions on worship, righteousness, and justice.

FOR THE HUMAN FAMILY O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace and Hope,
Brian+