Remembering is a difficult and painful process. Yesterday, we reflected on the assassination of Charlie Kirk a year ago, a man whose faith in God and speech with reason inspired millions. His death shook our nation on the eve of one of the most impactful days in our country’s history, which happened 25 years ago on 9-11-2001. One thing that I have experienced over time is that tragedy draws people to God. My prayer is difficult and overwhelming to say, but I believe that it is also humbling and comforting to the brokenhearted.

Dear Heavenly Father, how do we pray for what was lost? Charlie Kirk a year ago, and also remembering that twenty-five years have passed since the unbelievable happened to our loved ones and neighbors. Thousands of people lost their lives, and our country has been bonded in sadness and grief. We cannot pray for deliverance or a miracle, for the tragedies have already burned themselves into our memories. People have lived with a hole in their hearts, and for others, it has become only a story from history. The continuing domestic terror reignites the pain that we experienced. Families are long since bereaved. We know there is no prayer to change the past, so we pray that You, our loving and caring God and Father, helps our nation to have some peace with the memory, find a way to show a constant love for others, and give us a willingness to combat evil and to cherish goodness that is still left. Help us to remember the lives behind these tragedies and the families and friends who continue to carry their absence in quiet ways that others may never see. Help us to look beyond our differences and remember that beneath our beliefs, our struggles, and our fears, we are still Your children and we need one another. As for those who intimately knew Charlie Kirk and for those from the families of 9-11, please comfort them. Help them to feel Your presence when they need to feel that of those who were lost. Do not let our pain cloud our hopes or crush our hearts. Help us to grow through these tragedies, help our faith to be strong, not as victims but as victors, and sustain our trust in You. Be close to us as a nation not only today but every day that is to come. You know that many believe in You. You know that many trust in You. You know that many love You. You also know that there are many that don’t. Sometimes, life is painful. Your ways can be difficult to understand at times, and our world can be so confusing from day to day. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with heartache and pain that we lose focus, especially today as we look back. Sometimes we feel tempted to despair. Sometimes we give way to hatred. Sometimes we doubt, even You. Help our nation to humble ourselves and remember the words of scripture written in James 4:8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your [unfaithful] hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. In times of pain, give us comfort. In times of despair, give us hope. In times of hatred, give us the ability to love. In times of doubt, give us trust. Help us to believe that even in the midst of sorrow, there can still be a tomorrow filled with kindness, understanding, and grace. Help us to make room for one another, to listen when we do not agree, and to remember that no one should have to walk through grief, fear, or uncertainty alone. May our nation find its way toward healing together, with hearts that are willing to forgive, hands that are willing to help, and a hope that reminds us that darkness does not have to have the final word. And even when we feel far from You, please be close to us, in Jesus’ precious and powerful name, amen. For all who read this, God bless you, and may God bless America.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.