O Father, as I stop and think about our country today, all the hurt and pain and the way we so often break your heart, I quickly become overwhelmed by it all. And then in the stillness, I stop and I fix my hope and gaze upon you, the Lord and Lifter of my head.

Father, I come to you as you call me, just as I am; unable on my own, yet tender to your Spirit, and aware I am sitting at a table with the world who doesn’t get it. Who doesn’t know you; who’s busy, distracted, angry, misled, and confused. Yet you care for them and by your kindness I do too. For these are real people—hearts made for relationship and joy with you.

Lord, they are not the enemy. They are no different than me: flesh and blood in constant need of you. I too was blind until by your grace you helped me see. So Lord, I pray the same for them. Father, as I live in prayer with you, please grant me your heart for the lost, one person at a time. Please open their eyes to see and mine to how I can help them to see you for who you really are, the One who knows them and who loves them best.

Please let your love flow through me, full and overflowing, spreading into the hearts of those I meet; "to know you, and to love you," this is my prayer and the cry of my heart. Thank you that although it is you alone who changes each heart, you allow me to be a part of the process and to find a place with you in your great work.

Lord, I am asking this in the simple faith of a child and with the joy that comes from years of intimacy with you. Please heal our nation, our world, and our hearts through relationship with each other and with you.

In Jesus’ wonderful Name I live and pray, Amen. 

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people (1 Timothy 2:1).

Kress Drew is a high school math teacher and football coach, and also a board member of Eternal Perspective Ministries. He has been very blessed to travel overseas on different short-term mission teams reaching out to others and sharing God's love with them.