National Day of Prayer (5/6)
Today, Thursday May 6, is the National Day of Prayer. This day has been observed for several decades as a time for local Christians to gather for prayer for this nation. Prayers are given for the “seven mountains of culture”. This evening at 6 PM people will be gathering at the bandstand downtown to observe and pray. The seven areas that are prayed for are led by local leaders and include Business, Education, Government, Media, Church, Family, and Military.
You can always take time to pray for these areas on your timetable if you can’t attend. Meanwhile, dozens of volunteers have been reading through the entire Bible in time slots through this week at the bandstand. This is a symbolic way of putting the word of God into the spiritual atmosphere of our community. Many folks from FCC have been participating in this, along with over twenty other churches.
As you already know, prayers for our culture are so needed and important. Even though these areas are constantly under threat from those who do not recognize or care about our Judeo-Christian heritage, we can still make a difference through prayer.
Many miracles in the Bible were preceded by prayers. After praying, leaders said things like “Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Moses. “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. The battle is not yours but God’s!” Jehoshaphat. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God will be with you…” Joshua.
God defeated many enemies when his people took a stand in faith. He will still do that today and has already done so. We don’t pretend to know how he will work but we know that he will. Take time to pray today. May God bless you as you do. May we all keep our eyes on the Lord in these challenging days. You can pray locally and nationally for leaders in all these areas to stand for the truth. Pray that the Lord will raise up righteous leaders and remove the corrupt ones.
Of course, we continue to repent on behalf of a nation that has strayed from God and our Founding Principles. “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, forgive their sins and heal their land.” II Chron. 7:14
Lord, we thank you that through history we have seen prayers from a relatively small number of people, bring forth miracles from you affecting vast multitudes. Let pray fervently and faithfully for our society. We pray that America will once again bless God. We pray that our institutions will reflect that again. Help people realize that prayer is our spiritual weapon in the heavenly places to bring about change in the earth. We repent on behalf of a nation that has turned away from you.
Lord, help us to remember your great leaders of old who prayed and saw great answers to their prayers. Help us to not give up, even though answers are delayed sometimes.
Lord, we pray that you will raise up spiritual leaders in the various areas of our culture. We pray that you will transform some who can influence others. We know that the Gospel is the ultimate answer for the problems we face. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.