Throughout this whole month, we're taking time to cry out to the Lord together, asking him to

intervene in these desperate days. My dear friend Mary Cassian is here today to lead us in praying

for our countries. Let's pray together. Oh, holy God, you who sit and throned above the cherubim, I cry out in a lament for this nation.

I cry out, as the prophet Isaiah did, saying justice is far from us, oh God, and righteousness

does not overtake us. We hope for light and behold darkness

and for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope for the wall like the blind. We grope like

those who have no eyes. Oh God, we hope for justice, but there is none, for salvation, but it is far from us.

For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us.

For our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities, transgressing and denying the Lord

and turning back from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering

from the heart lying words.

Justice is turned back and righteousness stands far away.

For truth has stumbled in the public squares and uprightness cannot enter.

Truth is lacking.

Oh God, I call out for mercy. I cry out, have mercy on us, for righteousness and justice of the foundation of your throne. Steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Oh, Lord,

arise upon us, arise upon us and let your glory be seen among us.

Father, have mercy, have mercy, and reveal your glory so that all nations will come to your light

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

You've heard of tough love, right?

Well, Nancy DeMas Walgamoose says that's the kind of love God is willing to show you.

Listen, all those things that you hold precious, that you love, that you

cherish, that you think are so beautiful and lovely, that attract you to this world and pull you

...