I remember, as a little girl, getting to go to the White House! I remember thinking it was so big and beautiful. Because we were getting to go inside on a tour, we dressed up. I learned patriotism from my parents, by watching them. I always saw my Dad's eyes well up when the National Anthem played. Mine do as I write. Fast forward to when my girls were young. I took them to Washington and they, too, got to tour the White House. While we were outside, the president rode by and waved to us and I remember thinking how things felt so different. Instead of respect I felt disappointment. It's not just Washington, D.C., but it is a reflection, to me, of what is happening across our nation.
I hear people refusing God; turning their backs on Him. They do what they want to do. Some are even saying we have misinterpreted the Bible - all these years! We need prayer!! This is not new if you study scripture - there has always been sin but we get to see so much of it - in our face - all the time. The Bible tells us to pray for our nation. 2 Chronicles 7: 14, "...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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Paul reprimanded Christians to pray for their countries. 1 Timothy 2:1-2, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Here is the hard part. "All" means all, whether you like them or not! We are to pray for all of those who have authority including the president, his advisers, Congress, judges, servicemen and women in the armed forces, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, paramedics and hospital workers. Let’s cry out to God on behalf of our land.
All of us have been impacted by the global pandemic. We have felt anxiety, stress, depression, isolation and many have been sick with the COVID-19. Due to social distancing many of us have been separated from their support systems and friends. According to "The Economic Journal" a 2019 research study found that when tragedy strikes, people seek closeness to God and resort to prayer much more often. More recently, evidence has shown that "religiosity" has increased during the pandemic prompting many toward their faith community. Because of social distancing, many people have resorted to prayer. I know I have grown in my faith this year. I am usually an upbeat and positive person but I had to work on it when I was on lock down! Let's cry out to God on behalf of our people and watch how God works.
Today, millions across America will be interceding on behalf of their communities, their nation and their leaders. Each year, people gather at local community events to pray together. Due to the pandemic, this year’s National Day of Prayer will look very different. Like never before, we should be joining each other to pray for our nation. This year's theme is "Lord, pour out Your love, life, and liberty.” It comes from 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” We are to be thanking God for our local, state, and national elected officials, law enforcement, and first responders as well as those in military service. We are to be praying for their spiritual growth and guidance.
Our nation is in a time of turmoil in our government, our economy, our churches, our communities and our schools. Please intercede for the United States of America! What an awesome opportunity we have to serve our country!