“Every kingdom (or nation) divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” — Matthew 12:25
I don’t believe we can ever talk too much about prayer and some of the wonderful promises God has made to us in regard to our petitions to Him. God promises to heal our land, if we as a people would humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and pray. Oh, how I believe this applies to America today as never before. How does God want us to pray? By asking Him for what we need and continue to ask Him until He provides the answer.
I am convinced that our nation is in big trouble. Jesus made a startling statement in this scripture. Think about that statement for a minute. Jesus said if we are divided as a nation or a city or a household, we “will be ruined” and we “will not stand.” We are a deeply divided nation, including many of our households. And I’m not just speaking of our political divisions. I’m also referring to our whole social structure, our moral base (or lack of), our school systems, our courts, our differing worldviews and yes, even our churches, which out of all of our institutions should be in lock-step with one another. I am also convinced that the way out of trouble, rather than wringing our hands in fear and frustration — is through prayer to our heavenly Father in the name of His son Jesus Christ. And the time for prayer is NOW.
Read this powerful promise from the LORD from 2 Chron. 7:14-15. You’ve no doubt heard it many times before. Now is the time to do what it says: “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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”
This is the LORD speaking to King Solomon. The occasion was the dedication of the first Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon prayed first, then the scripture tells us that “the LORD filled the Temple.” In other words, the LORD showed up because He was asked. And He showed up in all His glory and majesty — and He made this promise to the people, a promise that I believe we can claim for ourselves today: “If my people will humble themselves and pray, I will heal their land.” To humble ourselves is to admit that we need help. And we need help!
Father, in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, we ask you to forgive our wicked ways as we seek your face and ask your forgiveness. Please bless our land once again. We repent of our disobedience and apathy and our lack of desire to be holy and righteous before You. Come Holy Spirit and heal our land before we destroy it.
My friends remember that we are encouraged to “Pray without ceasing” because God is always listening. Maranatha!
Pastor Don
