Our heart is heavy, and the air is thick with division that is tearing at the very fabric of our nation. We have witnessed the profound and heartbreaking reality of political violence and increased threats against policy makers and political leaders, a manifestation of a deeper spiritual illness that has infected our society. The wounds are real, and the anger is palpable. In such moments, the temptation is to double down on our political identities, to find an enemy to blame, and to believe that a political victory is the only path to peace.
From the assassinations of Rep. Melissa Hortman, Charlie Kirk to attacks on Speaker Pelosi, President Trump, Gov. Shapiro, and Senator Hoffman to numerous interrupted plots the violence of the last three years has been staggering.
But as Christians, we know that the healing of our nation will not come from politics alone. It will not be forged in the halls of Congress or won in the battles on social media. It will begin on our knees in prayer and fasting.
Kingdom Mission Society and Christian Defense Coalition have been reflecting on this deeply, and we are making a solemn and urgent call to the church in America: Let us commit to 40 days of prayer and fasting for our nation to stand against violence, especially political violence. Beginning on Sunday September 14 2025 through Friday October 24 2025 let us turn our hearts toward God with humility and repentance. This is not a passive act of retreat; it is a powerful, biblically-mandated discipline of engagement. From the prophets who interceded for God’s people to the fasting of Jesus himself in the wilderness, we know that this is a spiritual tool with the power to break strongholds and humble hearts.
The scandal of our political division has become a spiritual cancer. It has invaded our homes, fractured our churches, and created a culture of hostility where reconciliation and understanding seems impossible.
The hatred that has been injected into our normal competition and rivalry is a poison that makes true community impossible. It is a poison that we have, as a church, too often consumed and, in doing so, have been unable to offer a healing balm to a sick and broken world.
For these 40 days, let us pray for:
- Repentance: Let us first look inward. We must pray for personal and national repentance for the ways we have allowed hatred and contempt to take root in our hearts.
- Reconciliation: We must pray for a spirit of reconciliation to descend upon our communities. Pray for a supernatural softening of hearts—for grace to replace hostility, for understanding to replace judgment, and for a spirit of humility to guide our conversations.
- Healing: We must pray for the victims of political violence and for the healing of the deep wounds that have been inflicted. Pray for a spirit of peace and comfort to fall upon our nation’s leaders and for wisdom to guide their decisions.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit: We must pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to break the chains of political idolatry that have bound our churches. Let us pray that we, as the Body of Christ, may be a beacon of unity and a redemptive presence in a nation that is desperate for hope.
During the 40 days we invite you to pray with us and fast with us, either over the day or for a meal, as time or strength permit.
We invite you to join this collective act of faith. Together, may our prayers rise as a fragrant offering before the Lord, and may He, in His mercy, heal our land.
Resources
Sunday Order of Service
Leader Quotes
“Simply put, I am praying because Scripture commands us to do so, especially for our nation and rulers:
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
The people of God are called to pray “for such a time as this,” (Esther 4:14), and I am privileged to join that effort. ” (Rev. Mark Dooley, Baptist Convention of Maryland / Delaware, MD)
“Psalm 133 simply and boldly declares “how very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.” The holy vision of that Scripture passage is why I am joining in this forty days of prayer and fasting. We do not all need to think alike in order to love alike and in order to live together in unity.” (Jean Hawxhurst, Ecumenical Staff Officer, United Methodist Church, Louisville, Kentucky)
“2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Those who desire to be faithful to God must live a life guided by humility. They must recognize that the only way to face life and its realities is by walking closely with God and submitting daily to His counsel and will. Without this spirit of humility, neither our individual lives nor the life of our nation can be healed.” (Rev. Carlos L. Malavé, President, Latino Christian National Network )
Joint Statement to Work to Pray and End Political Violence
Here’s how to sign —> here.
Our hearts are heavy with the deep division and political violence that has infected our nation. We have watched with profound sadness as normal competition and debate have been consumed by a spirit of hatred and contempt, a poison that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of our communities. We are called to a higher standard, for as Scripture reminds us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). This is a moral and spiritual crisis that we, as Christians, can no longer ignore.
We believe that the healing of our nation will not come from politics alone, but will begin on our knees. Therefore, we, a coalition of clergy and lay leaders from across our diverse traditions, are calling for a time of focused prayer and fasting. This is a moment for us to turn away from the noise and turn toward God, seeking His guidance for a more perfect union.
We are reminded that it is possible for people of goodwill to hold opposing viewpoints, to discuss and debate them with conviction, and yet still treat one another with dignity and love. We have a moral responsibility to model this different way, to resist the temptation to hate, and to remember the words of our Lord: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4). By this love, we will be known, for Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
As we pray and fast these 40 days, let us ask God for the grace to review our own attitudes, to work to root out and heal hatred wherever we find it, and to be a witness to a nation that is desperate for hope. We stand ready to lead this spiritual work, and we invite you to join us in a collective commitment to heal our land.
Sincerely,
Rev. Mike Allison, Harbor Church West Oahu, Kapolei, HI
Deacon Nate Bacon, InnerChange, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Mirna Barq, President, Syrian Christians for Peace , Catholic, Orlando, FL
The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Episcopal Church, Jaffrey NH
Robin Boone, Living Bread Worship Center, Salisbury MD
Rev. Stephen Boyd, Zion Baptist Church Cambridge, Cambridge, MD
Sharmaine Brown, Non-Denominational, Atlanta, GA
Rev. Mark Dooley, Baptist Convention of Maryland / Delaware, MD
Rev. Kelly Fassett, UniteBoston, Boston, MA
G. Dodd Galbreath, Institute for Sustainable Practice, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Metropolitan Baptist, Largo, MD
Rev. Bill Haley, Coracle, Northern Virginia
Jean Hawxhurst, Ecumenical Staff Officer, United Methodist Church, Louisville, Kentucky
Rev. Thomas R. Hinson III, Church of the Advent, Washington, DC
Leonard & Havilah King, Rifton, NY
Alexei Laushkin, Founder, Kingdom Mission Society, Herndon, VA
Rev. Pat Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, Fredericksburg, VA
Rev. Carlos L. Malavé, President, Latino Christian National Network
Eric Mitchell, Christian, Severn MD
Kim Moses, Allen Memorial Baptist Church, Salisbury, Maryland
Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel, ADF International, Catholic, Washington, D.C.
Rev. Camille Ntoto, Africa New Day, Co-Founder, Assemblies of God, Maricopa, Arizona
Esther Ntoto, Africa New Day co-founder, Assemblies of God, Maricopa, Arizona
Rev. Amy Peeler, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Wheaton, IL
The Rev. Dr. Morgan Reed, Corpus Christi Anglican Church, Springfield, VA
Dr. Cecil M. Robeck, Pentecostal
Dr. Howard Snyder, Wilmore, KY
Dr. Drew Shofner, The Church at Severn Run, Severn, MD
David Teague, West End Community Church, Nashville, TN
Dr. William Warren, Allen Memorial Baptist Church, Salisbury, MD