A CALL TO PRAY FOR OUR NATION

Around five weeks into the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin recognized the members were in the midst of a number of divisive issues, at a stalemate while drafting the U. S. Constitution. Soon the delegates would return home to their states. He rose to speak to the assembled delegates, and appealed for reconciliation and for God’s intervention. He challenged them to pray. Franklin’s appeal is recorded here:

"In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine protection. Our

"Benjamin Franklin by Joseph Siffrein Duplessis"
National Portrait Gallery, London

prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. . . . And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. . . . I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business." 

228 years later, many Americans think our nation is in crisis; violence, economic, ethnic, cultural and religious divisions are rampant. People are cynical. Corruption, deceit, and self-serving ambition are pervasive in all areas of government. How can individuals influence all that besets our nation? We can pray. There is power in prayer.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”   

                                                                               1 Timothy 2:1-2

A number of Christian leaders are calling for Americans to observe the nine days between the Day of the Ascension of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost, (May 15th to May 23rd, 2015) for repentance, prayer, and fasting. Note that repentance, prayer, and fasting go hand in hand. Jesus, as well as His disciples fasted and prayed. There are many references throughout the Old and New Testaments to fasting and prayer. This spiritual discipline is not relegated to the early church. Fasting and praying are Bible-based disciplines that Jews and Christians have practiced throughout history. Many people have discovered that observing periods of fasting enhances their prayer lives.

There is no right or wrong fast. It is more about the condition of your heart than it is about the duration or type of fast. It can be as simple as giving up a meal a day or fasting for a longer period. Evaluating your individual health needs should be taken into consideration when determining how long to fast or what kind of a fast is best for you.

A repentant heart is essential in fasting.

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.

Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.

 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders,

gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”

                                                                                        Joel 2:12-17                                                                                            

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

                                                                                Psalm 127:1 ESV

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

                                                                                     2 Chron. 7:14

CAN THE HEART OF A NATION BE CHANGED?

CAN THE HEART OF A NATION BE CHANGED?

As I look around my neighborhood and town I see American flags everywhere. We just celebrated Flag Day and in less than two weeks we will celebrate Independence Day. Two hundred thirty-seven years ago we declared our independence, and many courageous patriots put it all on the line, to free us from an overreaching government.

Numerous wars have been fought since that time, when again men and women stepped up to defend the liberties our founders established as the bedrock of our nation. There are countless individuals throughout our nation’s history who also have also spent their lives working to protect us and pursue justice.

“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind of self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

                                                                                                 Attributed to James Madison

"Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism. If we go over the whole history of ancient and modern republics, we shall find their destruction to have generally resulted from those causes."

    James Madison's Speech at the Virginia Convention to ratify the Federal Constitution June 6, 1788

"Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

                                                              George Washington's Farewell Address September 17, 1796

Much has changed in our country in the intervening years. Scandals, both personal and national, plague us. Many people have lost confidence in our resolve, and an increasing number of citizens distrust the various branches of our government. One cannot go to work, read a newspaper, run a business, or manage a household without being reminded about our growing debt, a poorly managed economy, corruption, deceit, immorality, over-regulation, over-taxation, and attempts to increase control over our citizenry. Our beleaguered nation seems to have lost the idea of who we were created to be, a people who were optimistic about the future and who proudly acknowledged that our nation was founded, and operated at its best, under Judeo-Christian principles.

We seem helpless to alter the direction America is headed, or are we?  While we may not be able to change others, we can repent of our sins, spend time in communion with the Lord, study His Word, and choose to live the Gospel. We can take responsibility for ourselves and our families, become informed about what is happening in our country and in the world and get involved, even if it is only to vote for godly leaders. We can also pray for revival in our nation, our churches and our families.   

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."   —Jesus, from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:14-16.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."   Psalm 127:1 ESV

OUR NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

May 2, 2013

This coming Thursday is our National Day of Prayer; a tradition that predates the founding of the United States of America. In 1775, the Continental Congress made a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer.  Later, in 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer. Then in 1988 the law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.   

The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is “Pray for America”. It is taken from Matthew 12:21.

“In His name the nations will put their hope.”

The popular trend to marginalize people of faith is frustrating. In the name of tolerance, many American traditions are being relegated to the trash heap. We are reluctant to mention anything to do with Christmas or Easter in schools, and prayer is often frowned upon or “sanitized” at community functions. Lawsuits are threatened if pictures of Jesus or Scripture are maintained on public grounds. Yet, our founders recognized that freedom came from God Almighty. And as John Adams said, “our Constitution is made for a moral and religious people.”

Our Declaration of Independence appeals “to the Supreme Judge of the world” The language in the document states,

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The individuals who signed that Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, as well as many others, believed strongly enough in pursuing liberty to mutually pledge to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."

During the Constitutional Convention of June 1787 where delegates had clashed for five weeks, Benjamin Franklin appealed for prayer.

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.”

The United States of America was founded on Judeo Christian principles. Just as at that initial pivotal period in our nation’s history, we currently face national challenges of every kind.  It is again time to appeal to all people to repent personally, as well as for our national sins, and seek Almighty God’s forgiveness, direction, and healing.

“I exhort you therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 

— 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

― 2 Chronicles 7:14

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

    slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,

    nor will he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve

    or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

 ― Psalm 103: 8-12

Please pray for:

~ our nation

~ all who serve in leadership in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government

~ our state Governors and Legislatures

~ all who serve in our armed forces, police, firefighters, medical services, educators

~ for church leaders

Prayer

Prayer  ~ Webster’s defines it as a humble entreaty made to God. 

As Christians we learn from Jesus to make prayer a priority.

   He often withdrew to lonely places to pray. (Luke 5:16)
   He rose early in the morning and went to a solitary place to pray. 
                                                                               (Mark 1:35)
   He reminds us that we should always pray and not give up 
                                                                               (Luke 18:1) 
   He entreated believers to call out to Him day and night (Luke 18:7)
   He encourages us to not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,    
        with thanksgiving present our requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
   He assures us that He hears and answers our prayers.
                  (Matt 7:7,8  Matt 21:22  John 16:23,24   John  15:7   1st John 5:14,15)

Our response should be ~ to be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.  (1st Thessalonians 5:16-1)

Prayer can take a variety of forms; it might be done privately or with others, silent, or with words or song. Communication is essential for a healthy relationship with people and with God. Prayer is communicating with our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and Savior. Some prayers come spontaneously from deep within; others may be inspired by the Holy Spirit and others may be prayers that have been passed down over the millennia. 

While I love to pray conversationally with God, I also appreciate the prayers of others. One of my favorites is the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis, a thirteenth century saint founded two religious orders; the Franciscan Order of monks and the Poor Clares, an order of nuns.   

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, 

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Michael Podesta print of
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Do you have any favorite prayers?

We Are Endowed by Our Creator

"I believer no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book and the spirit of the Savior have from the beginning been our guiding geniuses...I believe the entire Bill of Rights came into being because of the knowledge our forefathers had of the Bible and their belief in it:"

Former Chief Justice Earl Warren, addressing the annual prayer breakfast of the International Council of Christian Leadership, 1954

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." II Timothy 4:3-4

Our church's home missions conference ended on Tuesday. Pastor and Radio Talk Show Host Jerry Scheidbach reviewed the history of America in his keynote address urging us to be people that have "understanding of the times" (I Chronicles 12:32). He charged us to reclaim America, to no longer be bullied into silence, but to go forth and boldly preach the Gospel and the Bible-based morality and freedoms for which the Continental Soldiers courageously fought and died.Will you accept the challenge?

John Witherspoon (1723-1794), a Presbyterian minister, and one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence believed that a role of State was to protect Christians and the Church to carry out their God-ordained mission to preach and teach the Gospel.

In the first session of the Continental Congress in 1774 Sam Adams settled a debate for the session to be opened with prayer by stating that it did not become "Christian men, who had come together for solemn deliberation in the hour of their extremity, to say there was so wide a difference in their religious belief that they could not, as one man, bow the knee in prayer to the Almighty, whose advice and assistance they hoped to obtain."

The Declaration of Independence states: "We are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights."

The point is, we were once a Christian nation because the principles of the nation were built upon Biblical truths known to our forefathers as Christian.

But God looked across the ages and saw what would become of our society (as well as the rest of the world) and prompted the Apostle Paul to write the warning he gives in II Timothy 4:3-4.

According to a survey of churchgoers done by LifeWay Research:

"...while 90 percent "desire to please and honor Jesus in all I do,"..." (http://www.lifeway.com/Article/research-survey-bible-engagement-churchgoers) only 19 percent personally read the Bible every day.

How can you know how to please and honor Jesus in all that you do if you do not know what He expects from you? If you spent so little time with your spouse would you know what pleased him or her? Would you even have a good marriage relationship?

Why would anyone forgo immersing herself into God's love letter? I wonder if fear of conviction, which should lead to giving up that which is displeasing to God, keeps one from reading. I wonder if it might be that such a person doesn't want to believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, because if he believed such then he'd have to also believe there is a hell and someone he loves is heading there. Could it be that he deems watching the next movie on the Hallmark channel, or watching the next big football game, or playing the latest Wii game is so much more important than studying the Bible it cannot be delayed even 30 minutes to spend time with God? Perhaps he idolizes men or women who deceive him into believing the Bible is not relevant to today's world or that it provides only one of many ways to know God.

"...they will not endure sound doctrine;..."

Doctrine means teaching. Any good teacher will tell you that learning is like building. You have foundational truths upon which you build by adding knowledge and understanding. If your foundational truths are anything but those laid out in Scripture, the structure of your knowledge and understanding will be weak and could easily tumble down. However, in our society relativism has replaced sound doctrine. Here in California they even determined that if a child thinks one plus one equals three, then for that child, that is truth and therefore he should not be corrected.

"...but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears...."

No one wants to be told what they like to do--and indeed are addicted to doing--is wrong and is offensive to, perhaps even an abomination to God. We all want to be patted on the back and told our thinking is right and good. And so we tend to look for those who will tell us it is okay to live our own way; that it is perfectly acceptable and God, being a loving God, would never tell us to be any different. Hmmm. God IS a loving God, and because He is, He makes very clear in His Word what will lead to destruction. He's the Creator. He knows best what will destroy His Creation.

"And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

And we see that happening. Just watch the news and witness the so called War on Women or the War on Christmas.  But what are we going to do about it?

For months I have pondered this. The presidential election race revealed the ugliness of our nation. If we hadn't seen it before, we have seen it over the past 18 to 24 months.

But I am a mother and wife and a very little known writer. I can't stand up in Congress and tell them to get back to the Bible. I can't stand before the Senate and point them to the laws God has given us by which we should govern ourselves. I can't go to the White House and insist they uphold the Constitution and speak truth.

I am not a pastor. I am not radio host. I am not so many things. But it doesn't matter who I am not. It matters only WHOSE I am.

I am a child of God. I am a sinner redeemed by grace. I am a freed prisoner of sin. I am a member of the elect according to the foreknowledge of God (I Peter 1:2). I am born again of incorruptible seed, by the word of God (I Peter 1:23). I am a member of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people (I Peter 2:9). And I am a stranger and pilgrim passing through this life on my way to my Heavenly home.

What can I do?

• First pray.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" I Timothy 2:1

• Live my life in a manner that professes godliness with good works. (I Timothy 2:9-10).

• Sanctify the Lord God in my heart. (I Peter 3:15)

• Always be ready to give an answer, with meekness and fear, to anyone asking me the reason for the hope that is in me. (I Peter 3:15)

• And above all, be willing and ready to suffer for well doing, for Christ's sake. Because, dear friends, suffering will come for those who will stand strong and courageous for the Lord. And through that suffering we will find joy and peace--joy because we suffer for Christ, and peace through the presence of the Holy Spirit because we know that there is nothing they can do that can separate us from the love of God. Ultimately life here on earth ends and eternity begins.

Since my eternity is settled, I say, "Go ahead, make my day: threaten me with Heaven."

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Revelations 12:11

A Puritan Prayer of Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1912

I was inspired by the lovely hymn that Janet shared on Sunday and thought that in this busy week of pie-baking and turkey-thawing and dressing-making, I would give you another quick, beautiful prayer from our forefathers to help us all reflect on the holiday.

This prayer comes from a volume of Puritan prayers entitled The Valley of Vision, compiled by Arthur Bennett. He doesn't say who wrote each one, but I am always struck by the sincere, heart-wrenching faith of those who penned these words. I pray this one speaks to you today.

Praise and Thanksgiving

O my God,
Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
my heart admired, adores, loves thee,
for my little vessel is as full as it can be,
and I would pour out all that fullness before thee
in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee
ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,
for adorning it, sanctifying it,
though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body thou hast given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding,
for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup,
for appetite, taste, sweetness,
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language
to express,
for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time
and eternity.

Amen

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow!

~*~

Roseanna M. White pens her novels under the Betsy Ross flag hanging above her desk, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When she isn’t writing fiction, she’s editing it for WhiteFire Publishing or reviewing it for the Christian Review of Books, both of which she co-founded with her husband. She is the author of the upcoming Ring of Secrets, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, and two biblical novels. www.roseannawhite.com

PRAYERS FOR OUR NATION By Janet Grunst

 PRAYERS FOR OUR NATION

By

Janet Grunst

“I exhort you therefore, that, first of all, 

supplications, prayers, intercessions,

and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life 

in all godliness and honesty.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2

At various times throughout our nation’s history, our leaders have called for days or periods of fasting, humiliation and prayer. Even before the American Revolution, the men who served in the Continental Congress were men of faith and understood that the prosperity of a nation depended on its religious vitality.

A “Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer” was called for June 1^st, 1774 in Boston. On March 16^th, 1776 a broadside was distributed by Congress calling for a “Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer”, for citizens throughput the colonies to “confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and by sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his (God’s) righteous displeasure and through merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness.”

Congress continued to call for days of fasting and thanksgiving at least twice a year throughout the Revolutionary War.  They understood that the prosperity of our new nation was dependent on God’s mercy. Congress appointed chaplains for itself as well as for the various branches of the military to provide for the spiritual support these bodies required.  

Since then there have been numerous occasions during turbulent times over the centuries when national leaders and clergy would petition Americans to humble themselves, repent, and seek God’s mercy to preserve and prosper our nation.

As we approach our national election during this critical time in our country, please pray for the following:

~ That all Americans will become informed about the candidates and issues.

~ That all eligible American voters will exercise their right and responsibility to vote.

~ That nothing will impede the rights of the military and other Americans abroad to have

      their votes counted.

~ That the media will be honest, and unbiased in their reporting.

~ That the integrity of our electoral system will be preserved.

~ For God to grant wisdom, discernment, integrity, and courage for our elected                

        representatives.

“If my people, which are called by my name, 

shall humble themselves,

and pray, and seek my face, 

and turn from their wicked ways;

then I will hear from heaven, 

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

Since the founding of our nation, Americans have been called to pray for our country, its leaders, and those who serve in the military. During wartime, attacks, and natural disasters, that motivation intensifies dramatically. Even though we are a pluralistic country, we still observe a National Day of Prayer early each May. Many churches and para-church ministries call for fasting and prayer on various occasions.

Those who serve in our military, as well as contractors who provide support, often spend long periods of time away from their families, even when they are not directly involved in a theatre of war. Too often their service, and the sacrifice of their loved ones, has not been acknowledged.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,

And I have been saved from my enemies.”

Psalm 18:2-3

That maxim, “Those who wait also serve” has long been associated with photographs, paintings, and sculptures of military wives and families waiting for the return of their loved ones serving far from home. Growing up in a Navy family I was familiar with the expression, but I was more fortunate than most because we accompanied my father to his duty stations. It became much more meaningful to me during the sixties, when I learned first hand the loneliness and anxiety that war and military service demanded of loved ones. In more recent years I’ve again experienced the waiting, wondering, and praying for my sons, their wives and children until they return.

There are many worthy organizations that provide encouragement and assistance, and we can join in their efforts to help. However there is one thing all of us can do that is of great value and that is to pray ― for those who serve and for those who wait. We can pray for God’s protection, provision, presence, power, and peace.  We can pray for their wisdom, discernment, endurance, and courage.  We should also pray for the challenges they face upon their return professionally and personally.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:

 that if we ask anything according to his will,

he hears us. And if we know that he hears us― whatever we ask―

we know that we have what we asked of him.”

1 John 5:14-15

“They also serve who only stand and wait.”

The phrase probably originated from a line in the sonnet

‘On His Blindness’,

by John Milton, noted English poet and scholar.

Post by Janet Grunst