In such a polarized culture, where speaking your mind can result in harsh anger, what does it mean to engage culture and current events with Grace and Truth? Listen as Susie talks with veteran reporter Craig von Buseck about interceding with humble confidence.

Here are the news items covered in this conversation:

The recent attack in Jerusalem
On November 18, two men entered a synagogue in Jerusalem and killed five men during Jewish prayer. Craig calls this a brutal, brazen attack and urges us to pray.

“God has not forsaken the Jewish people. We as Gentile believers have been grafted in to the tree – we are children of Abraham by faith. We as biblical believers are called to pray.”

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

• Pray for the wisdom of the Israeli-Palestinian leaders

• Pray that “the Prince of Peace would reign in the hearts of men”

ISIS
There has been a slowing of ISIS and a pushing-back of the militants thanks to the Kurdish fighters and targeted bombing.

• Pray for the continued thwarting of ISIS by the US-led coalition and Kurdish fighters

• Pray for the courage of the Christians living in ISIS-controlled territory

• Pray that the fighters in ISIS would experience dramatic, Damascus-road conversions

Ethnic reconciliation

Craig points to the story of Harry T. Burleigh, an African-American composer who had a hand in exposing early Negro spirituals to the world. Harry’s heart was for unity in Christ and freedom for all – his final song arrangement was “In Christ, There is No East or West.” Our identity is to be found and sustained in the fact that we are redeemed by Jesus and standing shoulder to shoulder with those who are different but equally saved.

Key Scriptures: Galatians 3:28; Psalm 122:6; James 5:16; Revelation 12:11

Theme Song: Open Up the Heavens by Meredith Andrews

Highlight : Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Grace and truth : Jerusalem attack and ethnic reconciliation