The prayers went up for our country. What does that actually look like? Many combined voices lifting up all kinds of requests based on each person’s perception of the condition of our country.
Another question would be, “Is each individual prayer identical?” Does each person who prays for our country ask for the same thing? Can we pray for our country and all the prayers be different? Of course. Do some people actually pray that God takes down our country? I’m sure they do.
There is a lot of unrest in so many places right now, and many have waded into the infested waters of opinion trying to sort it all out. Many are attacked ruthlessly. Many are dismissed. Many are exalted, and for all kinds of reasons. There have been accusations hurled in so many directions to reinforce positions and posturing that it is so divisive.
Simple truth: God loves obedient people, and God loves obedient countries. God does not like disobedience.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14– “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 will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
So what is the converse? Don’t humble, don’t pray, don’t seek His face, and don’t turn from wicked ways, and God will NOT heal their land.
Deep Truth: Every thing IS a spiritual thing. There is that spiritual content in all activity.
Discussion: 1) Our battles are NOT cultural, racial, economic, relational, vocational, or governmental.
2) When people fight, it’s a spiritual fight. When there are wars, they are spiritual wars.
3) When we have wayward children, it’s a spiritual thing.
4) Every battle is between God and His enemy, the Devil. The Devil hates all things God related.
5) Satan doesn’t care if communist, socialist, democrat, republican, libertarian, or pacifist. He wants to cause unsettling situations everywhere. He WANTS chaos. He just wants to turn everyone against each other.
Satan is an arsonist who keeps lighting matches in our schools, businesses, and homes. The matches ignite dissension, misery, and discontent. Yet, too many people try to keep putting out the fires, instead of taking out the arsonist!
Scripture: Isaiah 14:12-15 – “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Satan’s end is coming, and soon. But the devastation from Satan’s missions can be found everywhere. The “enemy” is not people with whom we disagree. The enemy is Satan, who sows discord among the brethren. (Prov 6:19)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-18 – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
So how DO we pray then?
Scripture: Psalm 20:6-8 – “Now know I that the Lord saves his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.”
So, our prayers should be that we put on the WHOLE armor of God when we talk to people in our families, in our schools and in our businesses. We must embrace that PEOPLE are NOT the enemy. They are being manipulated by the enemy. Too many attack the fires, and not the arsonist. We have to be effective with our time, our efforts, and our prayers.
“Lord, be with our focus in world events, in our country’s situations, and in dealing with our homes, schools, and businesses. Allow Your vision to penetrate our minds in praying for people who have been blinded by the enemy. Create the desire within us to use the armor You have provided, the desire within us to intervene with heart, compassion and love, and the desire within us to lift our prayers to You for maximum authenticity, minimum distractions, and obedience to Your precepts. Thank You for all You’ve done. We look forward to being the strong threads of human fabric given to the holy tapestry of love, rescue and ministry. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”