Tag Archives: Praying for our nation

Prayer Day 5 of 8??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #281

01 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Good Citizens, Good News, Polluted by the world?, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!

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Prayer Day 5 of 8???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #281

 

Hope you’re having a good Friday morning, it’s lovely here in Oklahoma, after a bit of rain, and the fires that have been raging around us are almost contained, and praise God we are expecting more rain this weekend.  Many have been praying for rain and the cessation of all the fire danger around us, but more importantly than that, we need to be praying for the spiritual rain that will quench the spiritual drought about us.  In that vein we’ll look at some things about prayer today; instructions about seeking God’s face and interceding for those around us!  All of those around us, and let me just add when we are praying for the government entities in our culture (no matter where you may live) we are to pray in humble dependence upon our Father God, our precious Lord Jesus and His Holy Spirit to lead us in all our ways, and that we will be a genuine reflection of Jesus.  That means that we are ever to be “speaking the truth in love” (See Ephesians 4:15) not disrespect!  And let me simply add that the recipients of the passage below were under unfriendly, often hostile, rulers.  Keep that in mind as you are tempted to complain instead of praying and depending on Jesus! (And I’m not saying we can’t be involved in politics, but that we are called to be those who bridge the gap not those who stir it up!  Remembering that sometimes just speaking the truth in love will stir some things up!). Heed God’s Word!

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God:

 the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God:

and they that resist

shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works,

but to the evil.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?

do that which is good,

and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good.

But if thou do that which is evil,

be afraid;

for he beareth not the sword in vain:

for he is the minister of God,

a revenger to execute wrath

upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject,

not only for wrath,

but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also:

for they are God’s ministers,

 attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues:

tribute to whom tribute is due;

custom to whom custom;

fear to whom fear;

honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing,

but to love one another:

for he that loveth another

hath fulfilled the law.”  Romans 13:1-8

What an amazing picture of God’s will for our responses to those in authority.  I’m not condoning evil that goes on in high places, but when we feel led to participate in “civil disobedience”, we better be sure we are doing so with a clear conscience toward God, and for good cause; not for spite, pride or any other fleshly reason!  The passage about prayer that I want us to look at today isn’t actually a prayer, but instruction on how we are to pray in regard to circumstances, culture and political issues.  (Keeping in mind what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-18, that our battles aren’t against “flesh and blood” but against unseen spiritual forces.  And another helpful passage in this regard is 2 Corinthians 10:3-5!)

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,

supplications,

prayers,

intercessions,

and giving of thanks,

be made for all men;

2 For kings,

and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life

in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God,

and one mediator

between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus;

 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all,

to be testified in due time.

7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher,

and an apostle,

 (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;)

a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and verity.

8 I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”  1 Timothy 2:1-8

And let me close by saying that while we are called to pray for others, especially those in authority, it doesn’t mean that we are to condone or promote evil and unbiblical practices, and that’s enough said! (Remember Jesus’ instructions that we saw earlier this week…” Thy kingdom come…. Thy will be done…!)

Amen and Amen!!!

Prayer Day 2 of 8??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #278

29 Tuesday Oct 2024

Posted by in PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Press ON!

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Prayer Day 2 of 8???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #278

Our prayer for today is from Paul, I would encourage you to study the prayers of the Apostle Paul in his letters to believers; they are a testament to truth, love and encouragement.  The one I am sharing with you today is from the letter to the Colossian believers, whom Paul had never met personally, but he cared for them and wanted to be a help to their faith and spiritual maturity.  His words are most apropos for us today.  May we join Paul in this prayer for those around us today, for our families, our churches, our nation and our world.

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”             Colossians 1:9-14

So, as we consider this amazing prayer may we take it to heart for ourselves and then we can pray it over all those around us—starting at home, and then spreading out as God leads!

      Letting God fill you—through His Word—

      Letting God help us to walk worthy—through obedience—

      Letting God strengthen us with His power—finding His joy—

      Thanking God for all HE has done, is doing and will do—

           All through the blood of Jesus where we find

                 Redemption and forgiveness of sin!

And sin, my friends, is the issue—starting with me!

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

Amen and Amen!!!

A Prayerful Heart??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #241

19 Friday Jul 2024

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Never Fails, Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, The Word, Though HE slay me--still will I trust HIM, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

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A Prayerful Heart???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #241

Just a few thoughts that I pray will call us all to Pray!  Paul told us to “Pray without ceasing…”, and while that doesn’t mean to go around with your eyes closed, or to be prostrate on the floor all day; rather it means to have an attitude of prayer on our minds—when I’m driving, when I’m walking, even when I’m cleaning as I ponder people, places and things I lift these things up in prayer to my Lord, ever interceding for those in need, our nation, those who are suffering and grief laden, for me to be a better witness to those around me, to those God sends across my path.  So I’d like to share a few passages on prayer and a prayer that I wrote many years ago that I try to pray each day.  In fact, it’s taped to my bathroom mirror, for I need the daily reminder— “today”!

Father,

Your will for today IS mine.

 Your pleasure for today IS mine.

  Your work for today IS mine.

Tomorrow IS yours alone to reveal.

Yesterday IS ours alone—

Mine to release to you

Yours to weave into the image

 Of Jesus Christ my Lord.    Blanche Brittain

Our Lord said it best, and it is the pattern for us to pray—not to be repeated in rote repetition, but to teach us that we are to come to God in praise for who HE is, to seek HIS Kingdom (and only those who are born again, can truly call Him Father, see John 1:10-14, and John 3:16-19), and HIS will in all we do.  To seek His faithful provision in every day—daily!  To repent and seek His forgiveness (for we all sin each day!). And to acknowledge HIS sovereign control in all things!!!  Get it, ALL things!  He’s at work whether we understand it or not.  I can’t speak for you, but I trust Him—not the government or the weatherman!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

Spend some time with Jesus and The Father today through the power and direction of The Holy Spirit; for when we don’t have the words, HE does!

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession

for us with groanings

which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

PRAY!!!  Amen and Amen!!!

Called To PRAY??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #671

29 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Praise God Today!, Prayer, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #671       Called To PRAY???

 

While we are living in perilous time, it amazes me that we are so easily distracted from one of the most essential elements of our faith—prayer!  I know for me it is so easy to have that time set aside to be with my Lord, and it seems that nine million things creep into that time and space to distract me from my “prime directive”, if you would!  It is so easy to “intend” to do things and yet by default, or distraction, or urgency we are drawn into something else that seems so important at the time (and sometimes it is urgent, and God knows that, and let me add that prayer isn’t restricted to a “time” and “place” but it also includes having a spirit of prayer in all we do—driving, cooking, working, playing—all with that attitude of prayer in our heart!)!  I know that I have fallen so far short in this area of keeping that time to be with my Lord and my God a priority!  It is essential in these troublesome times that we as a nation—as God’s people—as the lifeline for lost souls—that we keep our eyes, our hope and our commitment focused on Jesus relentlessly!  Why?  Because HE IS THE only true hope, and also because HE calls us to be a people of prayer!

What is prayer?  It’s not just talking to God, but taking time to share our heart, our hopes, and our vision with The One who is our all in all!  HE is all that I can truly depend upon, and listening to HIM who indwells every genuine believer—regardless of our color, our nationality or our personality—for Jesus is “all” and “in all” of HIS own!

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian,

Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ

is all,

and in all.”  Colossians 3:11

The Holy Spirit in us is the evidence of whose we are!

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”   Romans 8:9

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to those who come to Him, and through the Holy Spirit we have continual access to our Father, and The Son!  He is our own personal 24-hour line to our Lord!

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

Such a gift that the world cannot recognize, yet it is the power of God in the lives of His children, and we so often fail to avail ourselves of His gift to us, and the source of His persistent, overcoming power.  God calls us to come to HIM for He is ever listening for His children to call and come to HIM!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”    Hebrews 4:14-16

Even when we fall short, we can know that our precious Lord Jesus is ever standing in the gap through our moments of weakness and confusion, for He not only saves but keeps and guards His own for our good and HIS glory!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

Oh, how wonderful the work that Jesus has done for us and is ever doing on our behalf no matter where you /I are—HE knows, and HE is praying for us.

“But this man,

because he continueth ever,

hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also

to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession

for them.”  Hebrews 7:24-25

And because He prays for us, we are called to pray for others by HIS power, HIS name, and HIS command!

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are called to pray, and I just want to leave you with a few passages that help us know how to pray, as well as some things that we ought to continually be praying for and about.  May God help us all to be more steadfast in seeking HIM in all things!

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think

that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth

what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:7-10

“Therefore said he unto them,

The harvest truly is great,

but the labourers are few:

 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he would send forth labourers

into his harvest.”  Luke 10:2

And in these perilous days in which we are living, may we ever pray that we would truly be seeking HIS Kingdom and not just our own; may we be praying to be useable and faithful; may we be praying that HIS will be done, that we would be vessels unto HIS honor and glory!  Always.

“But the end of all things

is at hand:

be ye therefore sober,

and watch

unto prayer.”  1 Peter 4:7

May the words of our Lord Jesus’ prayer for us ever ring in our hearts and minds.

“For I have given unto them the words

which thou gavest me;

and they have received them,

and have known surely

that I came out from thee,

and they have believed

that thou didst send me.

9 I pray for them:

I pray not for the world,

but for them

which thou hast given me;

for they are thine.

10 And all mine

are thine,

and thine are mine;

and I am glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world,

but these are in the world,

and I come to thee.

Holy Father,

keep through thine own name

those whom thou hast given me,

that they may be one,

as we are…

…. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them

out of the world,

but that thou shouldest keep them

from the evil.

16 They are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me

into the world,

even so have I also sent them

into the world.”  Portions of John 17:8-18

Amen and Amen!!!

May we pray on!!!