Reading: Luke 20:20-26 NLT
Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus.
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
He saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.
Prayer: Lord Jesus – I confess that I resent every penny I pay in taxes… not on religious grounds, but on moral grounds. I hate feeding the lying, duplicitous, self-serving snakes running my government who are getting fat at the public trough. Yes, I realize that it’s always been so… and particularly in your day… but it doesn’t make it easier for me. When tax day rolls around, I am left with a profound sadness at the state of affairs in my country. Please forgive me where I am wrong… and change my heart.
Holy Spirit – Help me to pray for my country and its leadership. Give expression to the longings of my heart that words cannot express. And keep me faithful in prayer.
Heavenly Father – It’s all in your hands… my life… my family… my country… and this world in which I live. Work your perfect will through it all… and give me the grace to accept what comes… one day at a time. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen .
Hymn: “God bless America” – Irving Berlin
The Peanut Gallery 
Amen. It sure is hard.