As
I read through Mr. Butts’ writings, I’m finding myself pulled into his stories
and his direction toward God. And I wonder how I have managed to walk up to a
voting station in the past without a period of prayer before going.
Yes,
this is an election year. No, this is not a blog post about how you should vote.
But it is a call to action. There are still nineteen days until Election Day. There
is still plenty of time to pray for our nation. To pray for our leaders. To pray
for the citizens of America to return to God as a nation. 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. If you are
on Facebook, there is a 40 Days of Prayer page where you will find some great
ways to pray for America. Or, on their website, you can download daily prayers
or subscribe to daily emails.
But
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.
I’m
going to close with the lyrics to the tune, America the Beautiful. I pray that
you’ll find beauty in this land we call home. Beauty in her landscape, but also
in her people.
America the Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea![i]
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea![i]
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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