From Nelson Kraybill (right), president of Mennonite World Conference and former president of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

I applaud President Trump for proclaiming a National Day of Prayer, and suggest that he pray thus:

Merciful God, nobody is saying I caused the coronavirus, but I’m having trouble sleeping and have a few things to get off my chest. My decision in 2018 to dismantle the pandemics task force of the National Security Council and my recent attempt to cut funding for the Center for Disease Control were serious mistakes. Give me strength to admit to the nation, at least this once, that I am not always right. Lord, have mercy.

My habit of lying whenever politically convenient has confused and humiliated the nation. Help me, especially in this time of emergency, to set politics aside and tell the truth, at least for a while. Have mercy!

I have been divisive by constantly ridiculing and humiliating anyone who disagrees with me. I don’t want to be this kind of leader anymore. Teach me how to bring the country together. Give me empathy, so that when I speak to the nation about the health emergency I don’t talk like a robot.

Dear God, give me discipline actually to read briefing papers and spend less time tweeting, watching cable news, golfing, and going to Mar-a-Lago. Forgive me for dissing experts in medicine, science and diplomacy that I need today. I am learning humility, and want to stop bragging. Kyrie Eleison.

And now, a miracle. Let me forget The Wall and instead deal with actual economic and political problems that create suffering in other countries and push people across borders. And if it’s not asking too much, let me stop blaming everything, even coronavirus, on Barack Obama. Lord, have mercy. Your most humble servant ever, Amen.

PS, I almost forgot. Please protect people in this country and around the world from the ravages of coronavirus. Amen.