So if you live in America, you know we have an ongoing gun violence problem.

From mass shootings to gang violence, there is an obviously layered and complicated gun issue, mental health issue, legislation issue, and disagreement issue amongst our citizens on how to handle it all.

Also, in 2020, America experienced a reminder of sorts of our sorted history around race and systemic issues still perpetuating oppression, injustice, and inequity today.

One of the patterns I’ve noticed, and I’m sure you have too, is that we have some sort of significant incident (like a school shooting), a public outcry of sadness, frustration, anger, and fear. And then things kinda get quiet again after a few days have passed and the news cycle has moved on.

Until it happens again and the cycle repeats.

Christians come together and pray for our nation and the individuals involved. Some will pray for our leaders and governing officials. But, one of the phrases I’ve heard amid these tragedies, from Christians and non-Christians, has been this: “It’s going to take more than prayer!”

I understand this statement. It represents how Needle Movers began - in the midst of my frustration and anger around injustice and inequity in America highlighted in 2020, I took action. It was time for me to try to move the needle somehow.

But, hear me - my actions are vain if they are not rooted in prayer. Fixing inequity is beyond me... beyond my education level... beyond my abilities and skills... beyond my intelligence. Even beyond my life margin and capacity to work.

I think this is true for most people. How does a regular person, just living an everyday life trying to raise kids and make ends meet, contribute to moving the needle towards addressing the issues that cause national outcries of lament?

I believe it’s beyond you too  - you don’t have what we need. I don’t care who you are.

But, we all have access to the One who does have answers and instructions for our responses towards unrighteousness, injustice, and inequity.

And that access begins with prayer.

So, returning to the original question, “Does it take more than prayer?” 

In this episode of my series, Spiritual Discipline to Cultivate Equity, that’s what I hope to answer.

RESOURCES MENTIONED & STAYING CONNECTED

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