Michael Ingmire: Prayer For America

Almighty God, God of Abraham

I ask you to listen to my prayers
Please listen to the prayers of all of mankind
You made us in this framework
It is a strength to be human
It is also a deep canyon weakness

I stand before you a reverent and humble servant
Unworthy of your love, but grateful for your consistency
As the great Gospel singer, Blind Willie Johnson, sang in the streets of the Texas night
“God is God, God don’t never change”

These days I consistently say fervent prayers for my wife, family & friends
But I save my most fevered prayer for America

America, who informed my rhythmic soul
America, who is not taken for granted by me or by any active intelligence
An America for all who embrace her best principles
Within the price of that freedom begins responsibility
A responsibility that should be shared by all

America, bestowed by you with a spirit of self determination
Our freedom is framed by a sense of God realization, of God in life
Though I live in a nocturnal manner, there is one thing I always realize
That realization is simple; God is always there
God’s Eternal love, God’s eternal light

Man has reveled in self-splendor for centuries
It is tedious and treacherous
I am weary with the disruptive patterns of my own anger
The resentments of too much loss
I am constantly tired of the lust and carnal behavior of this world

Lately, life has been struggle; Death, taxes, tornados and pandemic
I would feel like the biblical Job in training, if not for the grace of God

For it is grace that draws the next breath
God’s grace is the option to change
To shine a light on the dark
To become greater than our daily ego musings

We are in the middle of reset
Nature is resting and resetting her weary countenance
God, watch over our President
Shine your light brightly into the dark and greedy eyes of Congress
Open our awareness to always recognize the difference between tyranny and safety

We are in the midst of a virulent virus
Some are in midst of despair
Some are in the midst of doubt
Some are in the mist of death
Some are in the midst of misinformation
As distilled by the Devil’s media and government

A virus that was created in a nefarious manner by the darker heart of man
But no government or agenda or virus holds dominion over God
No sickness or fear holds any weight against the ultimate power of God

America, I pray for you
As my Father slayed for you in noble wars
I am a Christian soldier, struggling with anger, fear and self doubt
We need to appreciate our solitude at this moment
We will grow to appreciate the open door of prayer and gratitude

America, a work in progress, as am I
A true developing country
True developing souls
As seen by the bemused eyes of God

Ultimately, no matter what happens next, I hope to end this life
Without anger or regret
Safe in Heaven’s arms
Finally, without sin
God knows no social distance
Church is anyplace.