In honoring Patriots Day, what can a gardener do towards securing the peace and protection of our nation? Pray! We are down on our knees anyway! May we continue to lift up the request of former President George W. Bush, spoken on September 11, 2001:
I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” – President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001
As gardeners we know persistence is rewarded; routine tending of the garden, regular visits around the beds—plucking, pruning, pulling a weed here or there—brings about the full and beautiful garden growth we hope for. Likewise, persistent prayer was esteemed by Jesus, who told a parable to his disciples to show
they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1
The prayers spoken on that fateful day have been on our hearts routinely ever since. President Obama reflected upon endurance and perseverance today, lifting up God’s Word, “We count as blessed those who have persevered.”
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11
O Lord, we look to you and your compassion and mercy to bring about healing for those who have lost loved ones. Bless our military with strength and wisdom to protect us. Make us persistent patriots, Lord, praying and not giving up.
May God bless your families, who continue to inspire us all. May God bless our Armed Forces and all who serve to keep us safe. And may God continue to bless the United States of America. – President Barak Obama, September 11, 2014
Persist.
