Concerning political disagreement
One big mistake people of prayer sometimes make is to insist on a “lockstep” mentality with others in order to pray in unity. We don’t have to agree on everything politically to pray for what’s happening in government. For example, I may believe that climate change happens regardless of human activity–SUVs, thermostat settings, and so on. You may firmly adhere to the more “green” theory of global warming. However, if the two of us agree that our nation is in desperate need of God’s help, then we can pray together in unity as we ask God to grant wisdom to our leadership and intervene on behalf of wrong decisions they may make. You and I don’t even have to agree as to which decisions are wrong and which are right as long as we both want God to have His way, for Jesus to be lifted up and glorified, and for men and women to come to know the knowledge of the truth.
When you pray with someone else about the nation, you won’t miss the target if you pray for His direction for those in leadership and for His intervention in wrong decisions (you don’t even have to specify which decisions are in error if you aren’t in agreement on the political details). You will be praying according to the will of God when you cry out for Jesus to be made known and glorified, and you will be hitting the mark every time you ask God to bring men and women, boys and girls to the knowledge of the truth according to the Word of God.
As you, yourself, become more comfortable and familiar on your own with praying for your nation, God will start giving you more specific direction. Step out and pray that piece before God, and then trust Him to do His part. You will grow in prayer, and you will find that your prayers do count.
Don’t let political disagreements with others hinder your prayer effectiveness. When praying with someone else, find the key components about which you can agree and hit those aspects in your prayer together. When praying alone, don’t let political agitation distract you. You know your Father, and He can lead you with His still small voice as you get quiet before Him. Then, pray what’s on your heart–pray it boldly and pray it in line with His Word and pray it with all your might–and you will hit the mark.
Dorothy
Read MoreWhy I pray for America
I have been fortunate in my life to be surrounded by believers who take the call to pray very seriously. When I got saved in college, my first church was a Tuesday and Thursday night dorm Bible study led by young Christians who had a deep relationship with Jesus. These brands of fire freely and openly spilled out their hearts in prayer and worship to God every time we gathered together.
The church I attended as a young career woman was birthed in prayer and even held regular 10 pm to 3 am prayer meetings on Friday nights for a while. Those meetings added gas to the fire that burned within me, and nothing less than seeking God fully satisfied me.
After I left that church, I attended another church while I sought God for direction. I even traveled to the Soviet Union with 6 other folks from that church to preach and win souls. What a time we had, praying in Red Square the words of Psalm 2, “Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples devise a vain thing?” Little did we know, on the Saturday we flew out of Moscow to return to America, that Monday morning the tanks would roll into Red Square and the Soviet Union would quickly become the former Soviet Union, within days. Indeed, the nations were in an uproar, and we were in on the secret before it hit the press.
Then God planted me in my current church, one that was also birthed in prayer. The leadership and lay people surrounding me in this church value prayer, pray readily and regularly, and have amazing testimonies bearing witness to the effectiveness of prayer.
Therefore, as I look at my nation, I must pray. It’s in my DNA; it is built into the very fabric of my relationship with God. When I see obstacles in my nation, I am challenged by my rich heritage to stand my ground and trust God. I feel I owe it to the Founders who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to guard, nurture, protect, and defend the fledgling nation. I owe it to Charles Finney, D. L. Moody, William J. Seymour, Billy Sunday, Aimee Semple McPherson, and all the rest, both known and unknown, who took advantage of their American liberty to pour out their lives for the cause of Christ. I owe it to my dad, who although he never claimed to know God intimately, was willing as a young man to risk his life in the service of a country which guaranteed that his daughter, yet to be born, would bear the sacred right to lead her own life, speak openly, and worship God freely without fear.
I must pray. I must pray the Word of God over my nation. I must seek her deliverance when evil threatens her. I must stand my ground even if it takes the rest of my life. I can do no less, so help me God.
Read MoreScrambling
As scandals in this administration are being exposed and more details are coming to light, it is not surprising to observe all the subsequent scrambling by the various players. A virtual game of “musical chairs” is happening before our very eyes, and instead of housecleaning, the administration appears to be rearranging the deck–same old “chairs” in new, upgraded positions.
One radio commentator suggested yesterday that this was done on purpose as an “in-your-face” thumbing of the nose at anyone who had the nerve to stand up against the corruption. Be that as it may, Truth trumps nose-thumbing. The apostle Paul said, “And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God” (Phil. 1:28, AMP).
As you pray about the events in our government, do not be moved by power’s maneuverings for advantage and intimidating effect. Stand your ground, joining your faith for truth to prevail with the faith of like-minded men and women from sea to shining sea. Trust God to direct your prayers, knowing that He is actively searching for someone to pray big, bold, audacious prayers. I challenge you again: stand your ground in prayer and disrupt the destruction.
Dorothy
Read MorePrayer Gas
So many areas of fraud, bias, intimidation, and constitutional disregard are being uncovered now concerning this administration that it is easy to let up in prayer.
Relief and even a sense of victory might be what you’re feeling right about now. You may even think “Justice is in the bag”—others are starting to see what you’ve known all along.
And the tendency is to relax and coast, assuming that it will be covered from here on out.
But I was impressed strongly this week that each of us is to keep our foot on the gas.
Don’t let up seeking God and praying about what He shows you for this nation. He’s given you a unique piece of this crazy puzzle to pray about, and this nation desperately needs you to take your stand!
Pedal to the metal time!
Dorothy
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