Most of us are familiar enough with the bible to know that the title of this blog could be completed with “…would humble themselves and pray” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Today is the National Day Of Prayer and all across our country people are taking time out of their day to pray. The activities are varied. They will be in parks, courthouses, schools, work, capitals, homes, and in the quiet places. It isn’t the mode in which we pray, the place that we kneel, or even the length, but rather that we pray.
The promise that God gave Solomon was during the dedication of the Temple. It was a declaration of God’s love and mercy. God knew that even in the midst of the great blessings He was about to pour out the Israelites would fall into sin. He wanted them to know that there was a way back home. The way wasn’t through strength but contrition. It wasn’t in the sacrifices but a heart broken.
We live in one of the most self-absorbed, arrogant, and prideful nations that ever existed, and I am not talking about those outside the church. Those who call themselves believers in Jesus have been judgmental, sexually indulgent, martially unfaithful, lovers of money, and rebellious. Sure the government has taken the bible and prayer out of the classrooms, sure the homosexual movement has imposed its moral values, sure economic liberals would like spend us into oblivion, sure atheists grind at the truth at every turn, but the call of God for prayer wasn’t for them.
Today is a good day to pray for our country, our lawmakers, and our president. We need to ask that God would give them the insight into the revelation and knowledge of His will that they might know the truth and be set free. We need to pray that they would be moved by God to extend the freedoms of faith that have been the foundations of this country. We need to pray that they will be moved to chose and make righteous decisions.
Most of all we need to pray for ourselves in the quiet closet, and before a merciful God. We need to examine our hearts and repent from our sin. We need to ask the Spirit to rekindle the faith that once burned hot in our hearts. We need to open our hands and allow them to be filled with the blessing and will of God. We need to pray because we are His people, called by His name, and it is our wickedness for which to repent and turn.
The United States is not “God’s Country”. If it were, Jesus said, we would rise up with arms to defend our cause. No our country is far off and we wait for our King to come and take us home. The long history of blessing was residual due to the faithful obedience of God’s people. If we are to restore God’s blessing in our city, county, state, and country we need to begin with our hearts being changed. We need to humble ourselves and recommit to our call in Christ.
So, wherever you are today, take some time and pay. Then tomorrow pray again, and the next day, and the next. I’m just saying……
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