One Nation under God
Many believers struggle with the upheaval and crises happening in our nation and throughout the world right now. But we can stand firm in our faith knowing that Almighty God is in complete control of everything happening around us. If you have any doubt, read Psalm 2:1–6 (MSG):
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, the God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!” Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: “Don’t you know there’s a King in Zion? A coronation banquet is spread for him on the holy summit.”
The issue is not who is serving as our president in the White House. Scripture reveals God places rulers in their positions of leadership: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Rom. 13:1, NASB).
Clearly, God has a plan for those He has placed in authority, whether they know it or not—and even if they are not Christ-followers. He selected them and positioned them for His purposes. Even if their intentions are evil and they think they are in control, God still is the One who truly governs.
As we celebrate the founding of our nation on July 4, let’s remember to pray. Obedient intercessors who seek the face of God will have the most influence in the movement of the hand of God in the midst of the nations. If we humble ourselves, repent, and seek God, we have assurances that God will hear our prayers on behalf of our nation (2 Chron. 7:14).
Here are several good websites and resources with insightful, purposeful prayers for our president and those in leadership positions. It does not matter whether or not we agree with their political positions or decisions. It only matters that we are obedient to Scripture by lifting them up before God (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
Pray USA
Pray USA (prayusa.com) is an initiative of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization established to preserve the Judeo-Christian heritage of our nation and protect American religious liberty. The mission of Pray USA is to connect and provide resources to elected leaders and citizens who are praying for our nation, states, and communities.
Presidential Prayer Team
Since 2001, the Presidential Prayer Team (presidentialprayerteam.com) is a national ministry dedicated to a focused mission of encouraging, inspiring, and practicing prayer on behalf of our president, leaders, and Armed Forces. They also seek to be a catalyst in the development of a robust prayer lifestyle by providing help through email, web, mobile phones, and other communication tools. Included on the site is a 24-hour prayer watch with an updated stream of news and current events. You can also post prayers for our nation on the Prayer Wall, or pray in agreement with others.
Intercessors for America
Intercessors for America (ifapray.org) exists to inform, connect, and mobilize a network of those who pray and fast for America. They desire to see God’s purposes for America fulfilled through sustained prayer and Spirit-led obedience. They have a great bookmark, “30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority”, available at their store on getamericapraying.com.
Prayer Force One
Prayer Force One (prayerforceone.com) is a national Christian ministry that seeks to unite America’s praying majority on behalf of the country. You cannot technically “join” Prayer Force One, but you are asked to join together in prayer. One of the unique features of this site is a prayer tour of the White House.
Call 2 Fall
Call 2 Fall (call2fall.com), scheduled for Sunday, June 29, 2014, is a simple call for congregations to get on their knees in repentant prayer during worship services. The Call 2 Fall declaration reads: “I will answer God’s call to fall on my knees in humility and seek His face in repentance so that He might forgive my sins and heal our land.”
