A Prayer

A Word of Prayer

Lord, 

In a world filled with sin we turn to you to honor you and worship you.  The first European Settlers came to flee religious persecution and we ask for that same relief still today. The United States is founded on a principle of independence, both in our lives and how we choose to worship you.  Now we are under an attack in both.

It is unfathomable that a person could walk into the Lord's house and take nine innocent lives. Despite this senseless act of violence, I hope people of all faiths will continue to find refuge in your houses of worship.  Just the other night in Greeleyville the seventh church in the South burned down since the Charleston church shooting.  Please protect our churches, your worshipers, and our freedom to believe.   

Emanuel literally means 'God is with us.' We know that you are with the victims and congregation at Emanuel AME in Charleston.  Please be with all those who have lost their lives, such as those in Tunisia, and with those that have lost their place of Worship, such as those in Greeleyville.  We read Your word and know that the Apostle Matthew said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Please be with the victims and families, be with your believers, and be with your Churches as each is being persecuted.

Give the power to all, to rise up on this independence day, to defend their Freedom, to protect themselves, and to demand our Government Leaders act under the Christian Principles we are founded upon.  Allow us as Americans and South Carolinian's to celebrate our history of freedom and independence while remembering why we are a Country.  We are a Country because You provided safe transport for our ancestors to cross perilous waters to a land of salvation.  Please provide us that same transport to safety, freedom, and independence once again.

Amen

Thomas W. Winslow
Candidate for City Council