The following is an extended devotional written by our Founder, Kevin McNeese, for NRT's New Music Friday newsletter. If you would like to subscribe for free, please click here. A $150 donation was made today on behalf of our 150,000 email subscribers. Join us here in supporting Charlie's mission to bring faith and conservatism to school campuses nationwide, and let's continue his work together.
I don't understand the world I'm living in.
Like many of you, my heart has been heavy and filled with deep sorrow after the assassination of Charlie Kirk—a transformative believer who stood for truth and welcomed civil discussion in every forum and at every opportunity. For that, he was gunned down at 31. Even more devastating, many openly celebrated his death.
As I’ve wrestled with grief and confusion, I’ve been reminded of the stories of Jesus’ final days. They hated Him. An angry mob demanded His death. He was tortured, spit upon, mocked, stripped of His clothing, and left to hang as His life slipped away.
What we are seeing today is not new. It is the reality of a fallen world: people without hope in Jesus, glorifying themselves and vilifying anyone who stands in their way. Bitter, angry, unresolved hate.
I want nothing to do with that path.
Unlike Jesus, Charlie will not rise again here on earth. Yet his legacy will continue to live on—his message of love, his uncompromising stand for truth, his passion for family and friends, and his faith that permeated everything he did. These things will not die. They will only grow stronger as more people realize the path Charlie walked is the eternal one.
My prayer is that this moment will be a turning point for many—that they would lift their eyes to Jesus, and find Him waiting immediately with open arms.
Following the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk, Christian artists have shared words of grief, prayer, and hope in Christ. Here are some of their heartfelt tributes. As more speak out, please add them to our ongoing conversations at Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Crowder
“My heart hurts. This world is broken. Erika Kirk posted this verse a couple of hours before she lost her husband Charlie: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).”
Seventh Day Slumber
“We are praying for Charlie Kirk’s beautiful family. This is heartbreaking 💔.”
Phil Wickham
“My heart is grieved and heavy. It’s difficult to process the evil and hatred in our country right now. I pray God’s comfort and peace over Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones. Jesus, it all feels like too much. All I know to do is lift my eyes to heaven and remember that one day every tear will be wiped away, and God will make all things new.”
Matthew West
“I’m sick to my stomach and heartbroken over the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk today. My family and I are praying for his wife, his children, and all who loved him. Charlie was a true patriot and a passionate follower of Jesus. May we honor his legacy by living and speaking the truth with the same boldness he demonstrated every day.”
Tauren Wells
“Senseless acts of violence, motivated by hatred, should provoke us to prayer and action. Our hearts and prayers go out to Charlie Kirk’s family, and I pray that the powers of darkness at work would be exposed and expelled by the power of Jesus Christ."
Point of Grace
“Charlie Kirk was an exceptional human being, wise and purpose-driven beyond his years. Brave. God and family first. He knew Jesus and the Holy Scriptures so well. He wanted to be remembered for his ‘courage in the faith.’ He will be. Our hearts are broken and grieving.”
Joel Vaughn
“Yesterday, Charlie Kirk was gunned down for having a differing opinion. It’s devastating for his wife and children, who now must live without him. I pray for his family, and I pray that we can learn to love our neighbors, disagree with civility, and follow Jesus’ command to love God and love one another.”
Ryan Ellis
“I am in total shock. RIP to a patriot. This is wild. I’m praying for peace and for the Kirk family, and for everyone who had to witness that horrific act. God help us.”
Michael Sweet
“I’m devastated that Charlie Kirk was killed. I’m sick over the fact that some are celebrating his death. No matter what you believe, why would anyone take joy in someone being murdered? I find comfort in God’s promises: that nothing can separate us from His love, and that through Jesus we have eternal life. Rest in peace, Charlie.”
Ledger
“Absolutely heartbreaking. 💔 Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk. Your bold faith, courage in Christ, and unwavering stand have left a profound mark on this generation. May we be inspired by your example to never shrink back, but to speak the truth in love.”
Matt Hammitt
“The enemy is working overtime to divide our nation politically, racially, and in every way he can—but our God will have the final word. May our hearts be bent in prayer for this nation and for the Kirk family today."
John Schlitt
“Such a needless tragedy... Welcome to your new heavenly home, Charlie Kirk.”
Rhett Walker
“Heartbreaking. No matter where you stand politically, violence is never the answer. This was pure evil. He was one of the only ones who would take any question, always with kindness. Pray for his wife and kids whose world has been flipped upside down. Pray for our country. Pray against evil. Pray for justice.”
