Printable Karens Korner #2396

This is the latest from Max Lucado; it tells about praying for the United States as we come into the election season. The Republican National Convention is over; the Democrats have their convention this week.

Lucado is calling us to pray, not for one political party nor one presidential candidate. But for our nation.

At the bottom, you can sign up on his website to do that. You can/can't do that part. Praying won't hurt any of us::

40 Days of Prayer for the United States

The temperature is high. The fires are raging. Cool heads are scarce. And I’m not talking about the summer heat.

It’s election time; a sophisticated version of Braveheart warfare. One party stands on the ridge to the right, the enemy glares at them from the left. Brace yourselves for an onslaught of angry advertisements, tacky conversations, and a season of name-calling and finger-pointing. It’s easy to get cynical.

I’ve been looking for the Bible verse that tells me to criticize the government. I haven’t found it. But I did come across this level-headed instruction:

“First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NCV)

The Apostle Paul wants young Timothy to lead the church in a godly fashion. His first command? “pray for all people.” The flagship assignment of the church is prayer. Feed the hungry? Counsel the confused? Teach the lost? Absolutely. But first, we pray. The primary activity of a local church is intercession and worship.

Specifically, we “pray for rulers and for all who have authority….” This includes our president, vice-president, all elected and appointed officials. We ask God to use them to facilitate a haven of quiet and peace where worship can abound. We pray so that “…we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.”

Remarkable. A peaceful society depends upon the prayers of the church. If we do not have a peaceful society–where worship and respect for God can flourish–what is the solution? Better government policy? A different president? New Congress? No, the first solution is a praying church.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…then I will hear from heaven.” (II Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

Let’s take this prayer responsibility seriously. Would you join me in Forty Days of Prayer for our nation? We will begin on September 28 and conclude on election day, November 6. To be counted among those who are praying, simply sign your name to the pledge on our website for 40 Days of Prayer for the USA. . (Karen's Note: I tried to check this web site out before including it here, but couldn't make it work. I also looked around on his website and couldn't find if/how to sign up!)

By God’s grace, our prayers will prompt showers of blessings that will cool our heated country.