Living history is something of which we are not always conscious. On the other hand, modern history (i.e. current events), tends to come at us hot and fast. We are six years removed from the horrific events of 9/11. The impact upon our nation has been enormous. But it has not all been for good. We are not all feeling the remorse and pain that many feel this day as they attend memorial services around our region and across our globe. Their losses are personal, deep, raw. We are not all cognizant of the fact that we are at war as a nation. Not just a political controversy, a war. We have had thousands of young men and women killed in this war. We have had tens of thousands injured. Yet, as we did this past Sunday, we have opportunities from time to time to welcome back some of our soldiers from this war, whole and grateful to be home. Our enemy in this war is illusive, vicious and supremely intent in causing our Christian nation to submit to Islamic dominance. Whether it happens all at once or slowly seems to matter little to them. Their tactics have been deadly and divisive. Oh, I am not deluded enough to think that just because we call our nation “Christian” that we are indeed committed as a people to the God of the Bible. The reference is one of historical roots; sadly it is not one of sustained practice. Nonetheless, God’s people are still called upon to pray for both this nation, our governing officials and for those engaged in the combat of war. And woe be to us if we fail to do so. Paul told us in II Timothy 3 that difficult times like this would come. We should neither be surprised nor anxious about the state we are in. In fact, times like this should help shape us as a nation and especially as a people of God. We ought to be humbled into constant prayer. We ought to be burdened for the spiritual condition of our body politic and our churches. We ought to seek the face of a sovereign God and plead that he would be merciful to us. We ought to realize that God owes us no favors…but he has promised us His mercies. In fact, they are new each morning. Therefore, Christian, get your nose out of the newspaper and your face out from before the TV and get on your knees. Plead with the God of the universe that He would be merciful to us as sinners and gracious to us in spite of ourselves. We are His creation, the sheep of His pasture. Remember to come humbly into His presence. Pastor Megilligan