Dear Heavenly Father,
Last night you gave me a dream. This is the second time you have given me a dream like this. There was a person who was a criminal and the head of a criminal network and family. In the first dream he had a beautiful home, which he protected, and a family. In this dream he was sending people out to do his dirty work. They became horrible and disfigured. And no one who was under his control could escape. I also was with them and a group of children with me, all under his oppression, being forced to carry out his deeds. We went up and down a muddy river. Other mangled criminals lurked on the shoreline as we went up and down. On our return we were on the lookout for the FBI among them. We managed to get safely back but as time went on some in the group decided to stand up against the leader. I remember refusing to put on my mangled costume and giving him a hug. I remember him reading his memoirs and recognizing the truth in what I told him. And the other children with me followed, all refusing to put on his mangled clothing - chopped off hands and legs, stab wounds, and other foul things he fitted us in. In the first dream, Lord God, there had been a man who had dared to stand up against this mob leader. I know that only your Son is capable of doing such a thing. But if you are with us, we also will follow. We only want to know that it is truly you who are speaking and not some other who will fail and lead us into destruction.

So those were my two dreams, probably six months apart. And in this one the mob leader was in my arms crying in repentance as I hugged him. And I also cried with joy at the possibility he might repent, that his tears were sincere. Yet I knew the nature of the beast. And I was very cautious. So I continued to pray.

And now, Lord, I do continue to pray. The enemy of my soul is more powerful than I am. I stand in need of a savior. Bind up the strong man and lead the captives to freedom. Evil men seek to destroy liberty so they can control domains which you would call your own if your people would claim them in the confidence of love. Give us a heart to pray for our enemies, those who would kill us, those who would take away our freedom, those who would control the whole world if they were able. For these are souls you died for because you loved them. And you pronounced forgiveness on them, saying "for they know not what they do."

Those who would defend freedom often turn to the princes of this world. We turn to George Bush or John Kerry and our leaders, thinking these can make the difference. Some say be isolated. Others be aggressive. Some promise the moon and hatred stirs us to believe them. But we are dependent on you. No president or program or policy can save us without your will. And so I ask you Lord to speak to us. Speak to us voters. Command us to pray. Remind us. You have given us a burden for peace, no matter what our vision for peace may be. Give us the good sense to turn to the one alone who can grant it in our day. Establish freedom that is founded on your will. Renew our minds and our hearts. And stir us up with great love for you and for one another, even these enemies.

Again I pray, Lord, that 100 Osama Bin Ladens become 100 St. Pauls. Maybe this number isn't big enough. I don't mean to insult you with my lack of faith. But it is a start. I press in on you concerning this and remind you that I know you are our hope, even when others fail to know it. I will fast more concerning this, Lord, if and when you ask me to. Only speak to me and to everyone who has need of hearing your words. And grant this world your mercy. I know you have foriven our sins. It is we who have need of repentance that we might receive the free gift of your love. For you have already bestowed your love on us. And your love is constant. Your presence is constant. Your joy is constant. But our repentance is for our good. Lead us into the joy of our salvation, Lord God. I thank you for answering my prayer.