We American voters have little more than 3 months to decide who will occupy the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. With so much at stake, if there were ever a time for Christians to be praying it is NOW.
I'll be the very first to admit that it's way too easy to be complacent. It's too easy to half-heartedly read a few scriptures now and then, say “God bless America” at the end of blessing a meal, and too comfortable to merely complain when a politician writes another freedom limiting law. It's easy to give lip-service to God and country and go about my business. It's a whole other thing to really seek the Lord they way I need to. Sad but true.
Can you identify with a person who spends more time picking out a Redbox movie than interceding for others in prayer?
- Hard Question #76: How can I expect America to change if I won't?
- Hard Answer #76: It won't.
So after I read that news headline I realized enough was enough. The time had come to stop being lukewarm about my country. It's time for ME to get off my lazy rusty-dusty and to seek the Lord the way God commands people like me to seek him:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Do you see what I see? Humble myself...Pray...Seek His face...Turn from my wicked ways... Then will God hear... Then he will forgive... Then he will heal our land.
To whom much is given, much is required. To those of us who know better, and don't do what we know to do, than we're sinning. Yes, I said sin. To those of us who won't serve our country don't deserve it's many blessings. One of the most important ways to serve her is to pray for her and her citizens and her leaders.
I know many of you out there already pray regularly for the United States, and your faithfulness is appreciated. I'm playing catch up here. It's time for me to wake up and join you. It's time to stop hitting my spiritual snooze button and get with it!
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:14-17)
This morning after talking with my lovely wife, we have agreed to put action to words. We are not only going to pray for the USA, but we're going to open our house up for Sunday Prayer from 6:00 – 7:00 PM to others who feel the same way for at least the next few months leading up to the elections of 2012. Then we'll see what God has for us next. Having a set date/time/place for action will keep us all faithful to prayer. America is certainly worth the commitment of regular prayer isn't it?
If you live near Chandler – Gilbert, Arizona area and would like to join in and pray together with us for America, we'd love to have you. Send us an email. If you don't live close by but would like to join with us in agreement and pray during that time, please let us know. We'd love to hear from others who know that the good ol' USA needs some good ol' fashioned prayer!
If you need something bigger than the fast approaching elections to motivate you to pray for America, then consider the bigger picture presented here in Pat Buchanan's article: In The Long Run Is The GOP Dead? Regardless of your political party, you'll find this demographic information at least interesting if not scary.
If you're feeling a nudge from the Holy Ghost to pray for America too, then let's not brush him off any longer. There is a battle raging - a battle that can be won - if we are willing to fight. Let's bind together and pray that wise, godly leaders will be elected and that unwise, ungodly leaders and their policies will be rejected. Let us pray that a hunger and thirst for righteousness will overcome every other appetite in America. Our time is short!
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
Let us be obedient! Let us be vigilant & faithful! Let us be victorious through Christ!
Read the next post: Sunday Prayer - Praying In Groups