National Day Of Prayer, May 6

April 30, 2004

           The National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of every May reflects the deep hunger for spiritual renewal.  The theme for this year is “Let Freedom Ring,” an appropriate theme considering the ever- increasing assaults on our religious freedom.

However, throughout history Americans of faith still seek the Lord’s help in meeting life’s challenges and adversities.  On May 6 there will be prayer gatherings across America.  Wherever you are, please join in prayer with those who will be interceding for our nation.

            We must have a deep resolve.  We do this with conviction looking the enemy in the eye, telling him that he cannot have this land.

            Please listen to God’s call.  It is a call to righteousness, to repentance and holiness.  We respond by praying as a nation together.

            Our present culture attempts to portray “sin” as the normal way to live.  It depicts it as acceptable behavior with little or no consequences.  The result will be the crumbling and tearing down of a nation.  The need for and the importance of prayer cannot be emphasized enough.  The destinies of our children and grandchildren are dependent upon our prayers, prayers seeking a worthy future generation to be passed down as an inheritance.

            Please pray our leaders even if you do not agree with them.  Pray they will be open to God’s guidance and wisdom.  1 Timothy 2:1-3 admonishes us to lift up requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for everyone, especially for those in authority.  Abraham Lincoln has been quoted as saying, “The times are dark, the spirits of ruin are abroad in all their power and the mercy of God alone can save us.”

            Our biggest threat in America today is within our own borders.  Our gracious God, who has guided and directed this nation since its beginning has been ignored, blasphemed, forgotten and neglected.  Once again 2 Chronicles 7:14 echoes in my ears:  “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 will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

            If we have no prayers to offer, God cannot answer and how can God withhold judgment if we do not intercede for our nation?

            Believers in the Bible are referred to as “soldiers.”  We are “prayer warriors” in a battle for the heart and soul of America.  We are warring against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”  (Ephesians 6:12).

            When God is approached in true repentance and humility, seeking forgiveness for ourselves and our nation he responds.  “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened”  (Jonah 3:10 NIV).

            Prayer should be a first resort, not after some dreadful circumstance.  God’s power is available to the believer who humbly prays.  An anonymous author has said  “The wings of prayer carry high and far.”  Prayer has changed history, averted disasters and has enabled ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

            Prayer changes attitudes.  God hears every prayer and it is the secret to a relationship of being close to him.  I strongly believe God is the only solution to our country’s ills.  Prayer makes a difference.  Let us humbly fall to our knees and seek God’s forgiveness.  Pray for honor, truth and respect for God.

            You can light this nation.  Prayer can change America.  We serve a mighty God.  He hears the cry of his people.  Let your light shine with flames of faith.

            Join Americans on May 6 in prayer for this nation.  “When a believing person prays, great things happen”  (James 5:16 NCV).