“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.”
-2 Chronicles 7:14
No nation is perfect. We will always have war, injustice, and poverty. Until Jesus returns, we are a people bent on destroying ourselves. What does this mean for Christians? Stuck in the mess? Or is there a way to bring heaven to Earth?
God has always been a fan of “nations.” He chose a nation of people to be radically loved by Him, no matter how many times they turned their back on Him. What about America as a nation? For those overseas participating in #theFives- what about where you reside? How is God loved or rejected by the nation’s citizens? There is redemption story after redemption story of the entire nations in the Bible, when people repented and turned back to God. Those that don’t return to God? Destruction.
We have a God who is more patient than we will ever understand, but we must not take that for granted. We must intercede on behalf of our nation!
Let’s pray:
1.) Humble yourself. Any nation that believes it is above God is a nation destined for destruction. Even if you are not in rebellion personally, you have the ability to repent on behalf of your people group or nation. (Look at the Old Testament prophets- they did it all the time!) Bow down before God and ask for mercy for a people who are far from him. Ask for the words to say if you don’t know how.
2.) Pray to “seek God’s face.” Think back to Moses after He saw God face to face. When Moses left the top of the mountain, his face was glowing! What would an encounter with God be like if we could truly see Him “face to face”? (Job 33:26, 2 Corinthians 4:6)
3.) God will hear our cry from heaven and forgive us. Let the words of this song be your prayer today. For your president, for your pastors, and for those in positions of power. Pray for those that are oppressed and those that are suffering. Turn your heart to the needs of your nation.
How timely is this community of prayer we have at New River and your words God-inspired for us today. And yesterday as we read about Peter’s rescue. In the wake of so much sadness in these first few months of a new year, I pray with all that we humble ourselves, ask for his help and God promises to heal – in all kinds of ways – heal!
Thank you for what you do! Keep listening!!!
-Kathy
It truly is the LIVING Word, isn’t it?