Pray For The Nation

Our nation is divided, and we are desperate for unity with peace and love for all people. We have learned that politics has divided us and nothing this world has to offer can remedy the conflict we are seeing all around. Some have even resorted to not watching the news so they don't have to watch the discord that is tearing through our nation. Facts don't matter anymore and feelings trump what is right. Evil is being called good and good is being called evil in our country, and it is grieving many of us to watch the horrific decisions some of our leaders are making. It may be hard to "Love" and "Pray" for one another during this time, but that is what Jesus has called us to do, especially in these times of discomfort. 

I love the words of Jesus. As I read them I gain more knowledge of what is required of me to live with purpose in this life He has created me for. His words are recorded in the first four books of the New Testament and in the first chapter of Acts if you want to read them, and then they are reiterated and applied in the books that follow. If you want to learn them and apply them there is something important you must do first, READ THEM. I teach a Bible study to 3rd and 4th graders on Wednesday nights and we are studying the names of God. There are important facts we can find just by reading and studying the Bible. Even the adult leaders in my class are amazed at what they are finding out, some of them even realizing only if they read the Bible they would learn. I challenge you to open this book of books up and open a blessing that is waiting to be given. If we are to turn things around in our nation we need to know the heart of God. The Bible is the Heart of God. "Inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work," 2 Timothy 3:16-17.     

Today we are praying and fasting for our nation. It is through prayer and the love of God's people that we will see a turn around in our country. Our verse says, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and restore their land," 2 Chronicles 7:14. This verse reveals a revival prayer that can be applied to God's people of any age. The context follows Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple, which focuses the responsibility of any people to seek God for mercy after sin has brought devastation, disease, and judgements. This verse summarizes God's chosen way of restoration, which is through the prayers of His people. This is also a guide for prayer for revival in all places. A twofold condition, with a threefold result, is extended to God's people. Number one is to "Humble Ourselves" rather than God doing it to us. Number two we should "Seek His Face", praying for a fuller revelation of God's glory to His people. This brings true repentance because we are turning from everything that contradicts the spirit and direction of our prayers. Then the verse tells us God will "Hear", "Forgive", and "Restore". God will do this for the church, for the nation, and for the people. Pray for your nation today and everyday. Get on your knees in true repentance and seek His face for your nation and trust He will hear, He will forgive, and He will restore.