A
Prayerful Reflection on America
Across
the wide and wondrous landscapes of America—where sunrise warms the golden
plains and sunset bathes the Pacific coast in quiet glory—stands a nation woven
from dreams and determination. From the towering magnificence of the Grand
Canyon to the vibrant pulse of New York City, from the peaks of the Rockies to
the blue hills of "Almost Heaven" West Virginia, every corner of this
land echoes with stories of grit, grace, and growth.
In the
heartland, amber waves of grain whisper the legacy of hardworking hands and
enduring hope. In the hollers and hilltops of Appalachia, hymns rise like
morning mist, carrying generations of prayerful longing. The spirit of jazz
floating through New Orleans, the resilience etched into Chicago’s skyline, and
the timeless peace of the Shenandoah Valley—these are more than places. They
are prayers in motion, asking for mercy, for unity, for renewal.
Today, I
lift my voice not just to praise this great country, but to pray for it.
May we
be a people who choose compassion over division.
May our
leaders seek wisdom that transcends politics and humbly serves the common
good.
May our
classrooms teach truth, our pulpits preach courage, and our streets echo with
the sound of reconciliation.
God,
bless our veterans who stood firm in the storms of battle.
Bless
our families who strive and sacrifice.
Bless
our children, that they may grow with both faith and freedom beneath their
feet.
Let
justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.
Let love
be our law and kindness our creed.
From sea
to shining sea, America is more than a place—it is a promise.
A
promise kept through struggle. Strengthened in diversity. And sanctified in the
prayers of its people.
So
tonight, as stars scatter across the velvet sky and fireflies flicker in the
fields of West Virginia, I pray not only for what this nation is—but for what
it still can become.
A land
led by grace.
Guarded
by truth.
Lifted
by faith.
United
in hope.
Amen.
Susan
Barker Nikitenko July 2, 2025©MpNMPMRMPBKBABRODANNABENFB$$#
