Dear Ones,
The weekend is here and may you have a restful, peace-filled time as you give all your concerns to the Lord. I plan to do some baking and shopping and writing. As I shared previously, one day each week before the election I will include a prayer.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
As you know we are in a stressful and polarizing time in our nation right now as we prepare to vote for our next president.  There are many political views causing deep divisions in families and some are split apart because of differing views. We need God’s help and prayers for peace that can unify us. I would like to share the second of Whitney Hopler’s prayers as she writes a Prayer for Peace for our nation.

“Dear God, in the turmoil of this election season, we seek your powerful peace. We ask that you calm the fears that are running rampant across our nation.  Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

As we pray about our concerns and bring those requests to you. Please fight anxiety for us. God, guard our hearts and minds with your peace. Bring us a sense of calm and help us to trust in your sovereign plan. Let your peace wash over our nation, soothing the anger and hostility that have taken root among us. May your presence be felt in every place where people gather throughout America. Help us to be peacemakers as Jesus calls us to be in Matthew 5:9. Help us to live out the truth of what you tell us in James 3:16-18: ‘For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.’

As we rely on you to help us be peacemakers, we look forward to the positive change that will happen around us. Thank you, our wonderful source of peace. Amen.”
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy