Now is the time for us to boldly pray for one another across the country.
When I first heard about Charlie Kirk's assassination-through a message from my college-aged kids-I was in disbelief; shook. I'm grateful for those who have been able to respond quickly and eloquently, even as many of us are still processing.
Over the past few days, I've continued with my travel commitments, but last night, I returned home. This morning, the weight of it all finally settled in. A deep grief washed over me-not just for Charlie's life, but for what his death reveals about the times we're living in. I lament the evil we're witnessing in our nation, where violence is seen as a response to speech. This is a spiritual and cultural sickness that must be diagnosed and treated.
I acknowledge not everyone agreed with all of his convictions or his approach, but here are four things I pray we can remember about Charlie Kirk: his bold witness to his faith in our Lord Jesus, his practice and defense of free speech, his clear commitment to life, and his advocacy for the strengthening of the American family.
I invite you to join me in holding fast to these values as we persist in prayer. The Lord is not distant in the darkness— He is near. He remains the Light of the World, and He meets us in our grief and provides us the resolve to stand firm in truth and grace. May we each commit to love and listen to others with dignity and respect as we engage with one another in dialogue, even in the midst of our differences.
Gracious and Loving God, We come to You today with heavy hearts-grieving, confused, and longing for Your presence in a moment that feels so dark. Lord, we lift-up to You the life of Charlie Kirk. We thank You for his bold witness to his faith and his voice in defense of life, freedom, and family.
But Father, we are shaken by the evil that has taken his life. We lament a culture that chooses violence over dialogue, hatred over understanding. We grieve that a spirit of division, deception, and destruction has taken root in our land. We ask Your presence into the hearts and minds of those responsible for this violent act; that they repent and turn from evil through Your justice and mercy.
Jesus, You are the Light of the World. You promised that the darkness will not overcome it. So we cling to You now. In the face of senseless violence and rising fear, we ask for courage-not a courage rooted in anger, but one grounded in truth, love, and the power of Your Spirit.
Lord, strengthen Your Church to stand firm in the faith, with compassion and conviction. Forgive us when we are silent in the face of any injustice. Make us bold, and respectful; discerning, and humble. Let us be known for defending the sacred worth of all people, as well as the hope we offer the world in Your name.
We pray for Charlie's family, for all who knew and loved him, and for the countless young lives he influenced. May Your comfort be real and near to them. Wrap them in Your peace that passes understanding.
And Father, we ask for Your mercy on our nation. Heal our land. Expose the lies that lead to hate. Bring justice AND revival. Pour out Your Spirit, that hearts would be changed—not by force, but by Your love.
In these days, remind us again: You are with us, You will never forsake us.
We offer this prayer in the eternally able name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
