Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11, that horrific day when American planes were hijacked to use as a weapon against thousands. Today also follows two horrific events that happened yesterday—the political assassination of Charlie Kirk (31) and another school shooing at a Colorado high school. How can events like yesterday happen? Aren’t we more sophisticated than gun violence against political opponents and children?

Events like yesterday are wake up calls for our country. Mass shootings, suicides, atrocious political rhetoric, and the mental state of our children are real problems that need the real wisdom, grace, and mercy of God. Let us mourn, pray, share the Gospel of Jesus, and implement wisdom in a society that still clearly needs it.

Branch Church will be having a church wide prayer night from 6:30-8:00 pm at its physical location in Kearny Mesa. Whether you come or stay home, let us all take time to pray over the specific issues of our country. Here is a sample list:

• Gun violence: real solutions to protect people from others and from themselves
• Suicides: according to Pew Research Center, suicide gun violence is higher than murders¹
• Political rhetoric: words have the power of life and death (Prov. 18:21). Public speech needs a greater concern for others when they speak.
• Mental health: our children need healthy environments, examples, and exercises to develop stable brains. Screens are impacting them greatly.
• Families of victims: Mrs. Kirk had the worst day of her life yesterday. She lost her husband of 31 years old after four years of marriage and is left behind with two little children (3 and 1). God cares for her. Let us prayerfully care for her and others who are victims of heinous tragedy.
• Politicians: they have a huge responsibility to serve other people. They need wisdom, conviction of sin, and Jesus.

America has a problem, but the church has the solution—the grace of God in Jesus. Let us pray for these and more. Your Kingdom come O Lord!