Novak Prays for National Restoration

Jerrilyn Zavada Novak published a new entry in her weekly column, Spirit Matters, on Friday. The piece centers on a prayer addressed to God regarding the current state of the United States. Novak calls on the nation to return to foundational virtues of humility, gentleness, and peace.

The column opens with a reading from Ephesians 4:1-6. This scripture passage urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their call. It emphasizes patience, love, and the preservation of unity among people.

Novak describes the American public as fickle. She argues that citizens often struggle to maintain these spiritual paths. She questions why people abandon unity for leaders and movements that bring anger and division. She notes that mass media and special interest groups often promote figures who thrive on attention and conflict.

The author expresses personal exhaustion over the current political and social climate. She states that anger, greed, and resentment often outweigh the virtues of collaboration and dialogue. Novak asks for divine healing for a nation that has imperfectly sought to live by its highest ideals for 250 years.

She specifically requests a restoration of dignity and respect for all citizens, regardless of wealth or influence. Novak calls for educational standards that produce individuals of keen intellect and moral character. She asks for a society that values dialogue over division and collaboration over the demands of a few.

The prayer also addresses the nation's relationships with international allies. Novak asks for the restoration of broken bonds and for justice to be served to those who violate human dignity. She cites Luke 1:51-54, asking God to lift up the lowly and send the rich away empty.

Novak concludes by asking for the grace to live worthy of the call received. She requests a reminder of the shared identity of believers as one body and one spirit. The column is a regular feature that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Readers can contact the author at jzblue33@yahoo.com.