On This National Day of Prayer
II CHRONICLES 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress and held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day(nationaldayofprayer.org). In 1952, a bill was initiated to Congress for the following:The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals (nationaldayofprayer.org).Today, on this National Day of Prayer, I want to encourage you to take some time to pause and pray specifically for your country. Personally, I am reluctant to ask God to bless America since many seem to have turned their backs on God, beginning with the present administration in Washington, D.C. I cannot in good faith ask God to bless what I am seeing take place in our beloved country. What I do believe is we must pray for God’s mercy on America.Radical Islam and communism are flourishing on college campuses with protestors calling for the death of Jews. The Jews and Israel are the focus now, but one day soon that will also involve followers of Jesus too. So, on this National Day of Prayer, let’s focus on what Christians can do to change things. God gave us a specific formula in II Chronicles 7:14. Let’s dissect God’s words:
- “If My people, who are called by My name”
Change begins when God’s people obey God’s Word. The word “If” is a conditional word and depends upon our doing what God said. God’s healing of our nation is dependent upon what believers do.
- “Will humble themselves”
This is the recognition that God is God and we are not. This means killing a prideful spirit and seeing God as the only One Who can bring healing. We can’t, He can!
- “And pray.”
This means crying out to God. A Persistent, specific, passionate calling out to God is called for.
- “and seek My face.”
Seeking God’s face means seeking God Himself. We must possess a zeal to know God, not just about God. Many seek His hand, what He can do for you; but this calls for seeking His face; Who He is.
- “and turn from their wicked ways”
Personal and national repentance is called for. This involves confessing our sin and crying out to God for His cleansing and forgiveness. When true repentance takes place, change will come.
- “then”
This is God’s part. If we do our part, God will do His part, always. You have His word on it.
- “I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
This is a promise from almighty God. He will hear; He will forgive our sins; and He will heal our land. Oh, how our land needs healing.