Years after the COVID-19 pandemic upended American life, new information continues to fuel questions about the decisions made during that period—and the lasting effects those decisions had on far more than public health.

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On Thursday’s Pray With America’s Leaders, IFA Chief Program Officer Kris Kubal welcomed Louisiana attorney Hunter Lundy for a wide-ranging conversation about COVID-era policies, religious liberty, education, the economy, and what intercessors can learn from the experience. Lundy, who has practiced law for more than 40 years and serves with the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, also discussed his past work with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Lundy argued that one of the most significant consequences of the pandemic response was the erosion of constitutional freedoms. Churches, schools, businesses, and courts were closed, while vaccine and other mandates placed pressure on Americans who objected for religious or personal reasons. Reflecting on the period, Lundy said he was particularly disappointed that more churches did not challenge restrictions he believed violated the First Amendment.

The effects extended beyond religious freedom. Lundy pointed to children who lost classroom instruction, graduations, sports, and other formative experiences during school closures. He also discussed the economic consequences of shutdowns and noted that even the closure of courts disrupted the economy by preventing litigation and financial disputes from being resolved.

For Kubal and Lundy, revisiting these events is not simply about relitigating the past. The question is whether Americans—and especially intercessors—have learned enough to respond differently when the next crisis comes. During the webcast, Kubal prayed that fear would not again cause Americans to surrender their freedoms and asked God to give His people “wisdom, discernment, and courage” to recognize deception and stand against it.

Lundy’s prescription was straightforward: seek God, become informed, participate in elections, and refuse to remain silent. He emphasized that spiritual discernment must come first, but that faith should lead to engagement rather than complacency.

“Be informed,” Lundy urged. “Don’t be complacent. Be involved … and be outspoken.” He later summarized what he considers two essential responsibilities: “to spread the gospel and to defend our freedom to spread the gospel.”

That concern about religious liberty ultimately shaped much of the conversation. Lundy warned that freedoms can disappear when citizens are unwilling to defend them, while Kubal emphasized the need for a spiritual lens, a solid understanding of the issues, and courage to act.

The webcast concluded with a call not only for truth about what happened during COVID, but also for justice. Kubal reminded intercessors that exposing wrongdoing is not the end goal. We should pray that what has been hidden comes to light and that wrongs are made right, appealing to God as the ultimate source of justice.

As America approaches the midterm elections, that same responsibility applies at the ballot box. Kubal encouraged intercessors to know the candidates and issues before them and to prayerfully seek God’s wisdom as they vote.

You can watch this webcast in the embedded player below.

Watch the webcast and share your prayers for truth, justice, courage, and the preservation of religious freedom in America.

(Photo Credit: Alin Luna on Unsplash)