If you’re like me, you’ve struggled with keeping a Christ-honoring perspective during the current election cycle. I’ve struggled in my attempts to pray for our nation, our current and future leaders,and for voters. Just yesterday, one of our church family members, Virginia Carrothers, posted something to Facebook that really got my attention! It was scripture and prayer that I found very refreshing. It organized and put into words thoughts that were a tangled mess in my mind. Since I’m sure that many of you have the same struggle, I asked Virginia’s permission to post it on our church blog. I plan on making this a regular part of my prayer time. Thank you, Virginia! This is what she wrote:
Daniel 9:4-5, 7, 9 – Prayer –
“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. But I have sinned and done wrong. I have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. Lord, you are in the right; but as you can see, my face is covered with shame. But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving even though I have rebelled against you.”
Daniel 9:18-19 – Prayer continued –
“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see my despair. I make this plea, not because I deserve help, but because of your mercy. O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act!”
We are in a mess Lord God! We sometimes become preoccupied with the problems around us when we should be looking for the opportunities given instead of focusing on the negatives. Lord, forgive me for this mistrust in you, our Almighty God. To say, “God can’t rescue us from this situation”, is saying you aren’t a Powerful God. Forgive me for not remembering that You can do the impossible. This is a lack of faith. Forgive me Lord, in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We cannot excuse sin, but You have asked us to respect the positions of leadership whether it is in our government, churches, work places, or homes. (I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Romans 13:18). Father God, we are asking that our eyes and ears might be open as we seek Your will in these elections. We see and hear the lies, deceit, and chatter of these that want to lead our country and us. We have many questions but Your Word has given us many answers. As we look at the agenda and problems in our great nation, protect us Lord. Our America needs protection from the enemy, evil decisions, and minds of men that don’t know of Your love and that You control even the kings and place them in office. Forgive us for not standing against Satan and his demons. We have ignored Your instructions, neglecting to ask for Your guidance in our decisions, actions and daily agendas. Forgive us Lord, and lead us to think and pray before we act in this election.
Lord God, You have blessed our America. You sent people to found our country on Your Word and set up the governing powers to rule our land so we could grow toward You, keeping our eyes on Your laws and principles. Forgive me/us for not following these with steadfastness.
Lord God, thank You for Your directives, for renewing our thoughts, our Christian convictions with principles from Your Word that have given us clear direction. Thank You that You are always at our side to walk with us, protect us, and be our Guide. (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 12:1-2; Ps. 34:4-6; Ps. 105:4; II Corinthians 1:3-4 ) Amen, Virginia C. – 10/22/2016
Pastor Larry