Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities; against powers; against rulers of the darkness of this world; against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I don't want to get into all of the details of the gruesome events that have been occurring on American soil. Anyone who has watched the news, or has a social media account, knows of the horrendous events that have played out over the past two weeks. Lives have been lost, fear has been instilled, and chaos is arising. America desperately needs the power of prayer.

I believe Ren Patrick, member of STAMPS the band, said it best -- "As a white American, I will never know the full extent of pain, suffering, oppression and discrimination that people of color have had to endure. I do know, that as a person, I stand for justice, the truth, and love. We aren't all equal yet...That is painfully obvious. As a people, we need to stick up for each other, and make this world a safe place for everyone." She went on to explain how important it is for white Americans to recognize their privilege over minorities, and that Black Lives Matter is about uplifting a suppressed group-- not about tearing down others. Her statements reminded me to look at the bigger picture, and to stop focusing on the minute details.

Let me explain this ideology in more simple terms -- If you were to go to the emergency room for a broken arm, you would expect that your orthopedist would put a primary focus on the injured bone. If their response to your visit was, "All Bones Matter," you would feel deeply confused. All of your bones are important, but it is your arm that is in pain; it is your arm that needs healing. While yes, all lives matter, it is important to realize that all lives will not matter until black lives matter.

On the other hand, this does not justify the actions of those who have taken it upon themselves to end the lives of innocent law enforcement. What good will more evil do?

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Every man must decide whether he will walk in light of creative altruism, or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."

Taking the life of multiple police officers will not bring justice to the men and women we have lost. It will also never bring justice to the corrupt officers who took their life. All it will do is instill fear in the hearts of Americans, and manufacture chaos. Fighting fire, with fire, is never the answer.

I'd like to remind my fellow Americans of Psalms 34:14-- "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it," -- and ask that our country joins me in prayer.

Heavenly Father -- We the people, in the land of the free, are suffering. We are mourning the loss of more, and more loved ones with each day that passes. We need Your love and compassion more than ever. I pray that You bring our country's leaders, law enforcement, and people, guidance and enlightenment. I pray that You watch over us, and protect us through the weeks that follow. Lord, I pray for Your guardianship against our enemies within our own borders, and from without. I bow my head, and ask, if it be Thy will, to save this land from those who seek to destroy us. I cry out to You, Lord, for a national spiritual awakening. That we, as Americans, will wake up and see that Your love is what we need to turn and run to when we feel unsafe or afraid. Your word, The Holy Bible, is the rock which our republic rests upon. Help us defend our liberties and reunite as one people: your people. Remind us to love thy neighbor, and to treat others as we wish to be treated. Remind us to live in Your image, Lord. We ask that you raise us up with your Holy Spirit and bring America peace.

In God we trust, Amen.