Pray for Americaनमुना

Pray for Homes

In many stories, home is a powerful motivator. Heroes may fight to get home, fight to reclaim a home, or fight to establish a home.

This theme has also been central to the American story, for better or for worse. Regardless of the paths we and our ancestors have traveled, all citizens here call this country our home. So, how do we fight for it?

Sadly, some Americans fight against each other. It's not too hard to find daily reports of violence on our streets, in our neighborhoods, and even in our schools. There's a scarcity mindset that says, "Resources, opportunities, and even relationships are limited. Other people are nothing more than competitors." So one person removes another person like they're nothing more than a tree that's "in the way" of a construction job, uprooting not only countless dreams and plans but the whole network of peace.

Other Americans fight apart from each other. One neighbor may have no idea another neighbor is struggling mightily because they keep to themselves. The mindset of keeping up appearances becomes valued higher than anything else, so if there is any interaction, it's shallow and fake. One person may be lacking in something their neighbor has in abundance or perhaps has found ways of overcoming. Yet neither the lack nor the abundance would ever be known without open communication.

There's a sense within Israel—both the biblical nation and the modern State—that community should be close and camaraderie strong. This sentiment is expressed in the New Testament letter to the Hebrew people, saying, "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it" (Hebrews 13:2)! Unfortunately, this level of hospitality truly does sound foreign to many Americans because of the damage caused by violence as well as silence.

Today, pray for your community. Pray for a softening of hearts and a transformation of minds for those who do see other people as competitors or even targets. Pray for an opening of hearts and a peacefulness of minds for those who are too detached or afraid to support and be supported by their neighbors.

Finally, remember that not everyone has a home in this chapter of their story. Pray blessings on those providing shelter and an increase of such provision to match every need. May individuals, families, churches, nonprofit organizations, and governments have creative and love-filled solutions to literally open doors so that everyone in America has a place they belong and feel secure.

Home is a central, powerful theme for everyone's story, and its peace, security, openness, and joy are worth fighting for.