I heard fireworks popping after dark on Father’s Day and, for a heartbeat, thought it was gunfire.

We celebrate summer with fireworks.

We celebrate liberty and justice for all with fireworks.

We celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.

But, as July 4 approaches, won’t it be difficult to hear fireworks and not think about the children who died in Uvalde, or the shoppers shot to death in Buffalo, people gunned down in churches in Southern California or Alabama, people killed in a hospital in Tulsa, the infant killed by gunfire in a van in Pittsburgh?

What’s happening in the “one nation under God”?

The fireworks we use to celebrate “the rocket’s red glare, bombs bursting in air” sound too much like gunfire in our most frightening and discouraging moments.

Let’s pray for peace in our nation and in our neighborhoods.

On July 3, around 8:54 pm, as the sun sets, as some communities prepare for fireworks displays, let’s cry out together for God’s help, for His peace, for His Light and Love. Pray from wherever you are, with whoever wants to join you.

Let’s pray for discernment concerning every facet of gun availability and gun acquisition. Lord, show us the way toward safe, sound policies.

Let’s pray for discernment concerning fear, anger, anxiety, and isolation that lead people to lift guns and squeeze triggers. Lord, help us to see each other, to love each other, to serve each other in ways that ease desperation and extend your Grace.

Let’s pray for young people whose mental health torment leads them to destructive choices, including carrying and firing guns.

In the weeks leading toward Independence Day, our SUMC Bible study group spent a few moments gathered around the burning bush with Moses. There is epic drama in the early chapters of Exodus, but in late Spring 2022, in the United State of America, two lines resonated most profoundly.

God says to Moses, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out…”

Later in the same address, God says “…the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.”

In the first verse, “seen” precedes “heard.”

In the second, God mentions “the cry” before sharing what He has “seen.”

What God sees and what He hears creates change. Our voices crying out for His help can make a difference.

Crying matters.

Crying moves God.

Collective crying reaches God.

It is time for us to cry together.

Lord, help us.