September 18th, 2014 
dsisler
I rarely raise political issues or concerns through my blog. And while I’m not going to discuss any particular issue, I will mention how tiring it is to watch political ads. You know the ones I’m talking about. So and so isn’t the right person because they are too something.
It seems like these ads have been running for months…and maybe they have. But right now, I’m tired of it. I want the election to be over, but we still have 6 weeks to listen to this bashing.
A couple of years ago, I read a book by David Butts called, “40 Days of Prayer for America: Desperate for Change.” It’s a little book and as I pulled it of my shelf, I’ve decided it’s time to read through this gem once again.
Mr. Butts starts out by saying “Prayer is critical to any nation, especially a nation that proclaims a connection to God.”[i] If you believe this statement like I do, we have an obligation to pray for America.
My questions today: Are you praying for the leaders of our country? Are you praying for the citizen of America to return to God as a nation? Are you willing to pray? There is still time for God to do His mighty work within our country.
We should at least be willing to try!
So here are my suggestions for you. If you can get a copy of Mr. Butts’ book, do so. He will encourage you to focus on very specific areas of prayer.
This is just one man’s tool to pray for America. God has His own tools in Scripture to lead us in praying for our nation. Let’s begin with God’s command for Israel.
After the temple was complete, God appeared to Solomon and shared these words with him. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV) God is willing to heal our land, but we must do our part. Humble prayers are the perfect place to start.
Paul urged Timothy to pray for the “kings and all those in authority” in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV). But the reasoning behind it is also mentioned in this section of Scripture. “That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I will allow Scripture to speak for itself.
I also believe that as we live godly and holy lives, we will be good citizens of our nation. By following God’s commands and His words, we are able to be the right kind of people America needs. People full of grace. People who show kindness to strangers and the poor. People who love their enemies.
And Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) adds a few more words of encouragement. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Good countries are made up of good citizens. Titus 3:14 (NIV) adds another element. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”
I certainly am not willing to live an unproductive life. I pray that you feel the same.
So, what I’ve come up with is that we must humble ourselves before God, pray for our nation and leaders, and be good citizens. To be honest, this is just the skeleton. As you study Scripture, you will find other things to add to this list. And I would encourage you to do so.
Don’t let another day go by where America is not in your prayers. Hand it over to God. Allow Him to do mighty things with people who are willing to humble themselves before Him.
Let the healing begin!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
[i] “40 Days of Prayer for America: Desperate for Change,” David Butts, PrayerShop Publishing, 2012, page 3.
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