Article January 18, 2021 & January 25, 2021 Issue

A prayer for unity

I’ve seen deep divisions dissolve through prayer, so I know healing is possible.

Eric M. Nager

First appeared as a Web Original on November 16, 2020

I joined the United States military toward the end of the Cold War. At that time the country was generally united against the external threat of a nuclear-armed Soviet Union. Through unity and strength, and with the strong support of our allies, we faced down that threat.

Today, the threat to the US appears to be internal, from the polarizing divisions we have been witnessing for some time along political, economic, and racial lines. It leaves many wondering if these divisions may be too great to overcome. Yet, through the years I’ve seen deep divisions dissolve through prayer, so I know healing is possible.

As someone who once ran for office on my local city council, I take seriously our moral duty to support our elected officials and to pray that those in government will act in the best interests of their country to promote peace and unity. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (I Timothy 2:1–3, New King James Version).

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