Are you praying for our nation?

Because yesterday (Inauguration Day, 2013) was the kind of day we need to be reminded to pray for our nation and its leaders,  let's have a quick review of how God wants his people to approach him. Talking to King Solomon one night, the Lord clearly explains the “if/then” principle of corporate prayer:  “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. ¹⁴ [But] 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 will forgive their sins and restore their land. ¹⁵ My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place” (2 Chronicles 7:13-15).

In other words, things might not be exactly as we want, but...

• IF we recognize that we are God's people; chosen by him before the foundation of the world
• IF we understand that we are called by God Himself to be active participants in his kingdom purposes
• IF we humble ourselves before him; individually and corporately
• IF we pray; in his name and according to his will
• IF we actively seek him; day by day, moment by moment
• IF we flee darkness and run from our sin into the Light
• THEN God hears our prayers
• THEN God forgives, heals and cleanses us from our sin
• THEN God purposefully restores us AND our land; this great United States of America
• THEN God opens his eyes to us (because we've prayed according to the "IF" statements above)
• THEN God's ears become attentive to everything we pray

It's a tall order but it works!  Let’s be prayer warriors my friends; for our families, our friends and for our country.