The events in our country over the last couple of months have brought challenges not only to the leaders and the families directly involved, but upon all of us that claim Jesus as Lord. I am referring to the question of the appropriate response from Christians across the country. Whether they choose to help in anyway than can or do nothing, churches across the nation are a significant part of the response team.

It is no secret that churches and ministers have played a significant role in our nations history when it comes to healing after a crisis. Christians have historically initiated and taken part in prayers, humanitarian efforts, and even decision making. Churches and Christians have aided in keeping the country strong and unified through difficult times.

Various churches across the country have picked up the ball on being a healing agent across the country and by giving credible answers in this difficult time. However, Churches of Christ have typically stayed out of this arena, choosing not to be involved or to participate. This is changing, but we still have a long way to go. One official in Washington who is a member of the churches of Christ noted that in all of the religious activities, emergency counseling centers, seminars, and prayer meetings he has attended around the city and other parts of the country, there were few if any members of the churches of Christ that took part.

We have the opportunity and obligation to carry out our mission. There is a huge spiritual dimension we might be overlooking here. If the mission of Jesus, the great physician, involved healing, shouldn't we be about the same business? Jesus took care of needs in order to meet the great spiritual need all men have.

At a minimum, God has clearly communicated to us that "... entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Tim 2:1-2)."

Congress has enacted legislation declaring that Tuesday, Dec. 4 will be a "National Day of Reconciliation." They will be praying that evening from 5-7 p.m. in the rotunda of the capital so they can "humbly seek the blessings of Providence for forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and charity for all people of the United States." Should we not pray for them and with them? I would hope you agree we should.

Therefore, at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, I will personally open the doors to the building for a special prayer meeting on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. that evening on behalf of our country, our leaders, and even our enemies. We will begin with some singing, and corporate prayer. Afterwards, the men and women will split into separate groups for the sharing of prayers. If you cannot be there at 6:00, come when you can. We will plan on concluding no later than 7:30.