Praying For Our Nation

by Elizabeth Stewart

Next Saturday, July 4th, 2020, here in the United States we will celebrate our 244th year as a nation. I'm not sure that in all of the years that I've been alive that there's ever been a more tumultuous time in our land. Because of that, I felt led to focus on some scripture based prayer points that we could all use in intercession for our land.

Recognize that when we pray for our nation it is easy to forget that our warfare is not people or political parties but spiritual forces of wickedness that want to steal, kill and destroy.  A wise intercessor doesn't engage those forces themselves, but asks the Captain of the Lord of Hosts, Jesus Christ, and His angelic armies to battle the enemy forces on our behalf

 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 AMPC

Recognize that, whether we love or hate or are indifferent towards those who are in leadership in our nation, we are instructed in God's Word to pray for them.

First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,

 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 AMPC

Recognize that, above all, God wants people to come to know Him and the salvation that is available to them through receiving His Son, Jesus Christ, as their Savior and Lord. We need to make that a priority in our prayers. Also, how can they come to know Him if there is no one to tell them or to help them mature as a Christ follower? We need to pray for laborers.

...They shall see who have never been told of Him, and they shall understand who have never heard [of Him]. Romans 15:21 AMPC

And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will. 2 Timothy 2:26 AMPC

So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest. Matthew 9:38 AMPC

Recognize that God wants our nation to repent but it begins with us first.

Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)? Romans 2:4 AMPC

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 AMPC

I hope that you will join me in targeting our nation in your prayers this week.

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