“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12, ESV).

Recent news events have bumped up against our Christian values in a disturbing way. More and more we realize truths we hold dear are being destroyed by an unrighteous society. It troubles our spirit and causes us to question what we can do to stop this downward plunge.

Do we post on social media? Do we write government leaders? Do we sign a petition? Do we make signs and march on the street? None of these is wrong. Yet, how does one person really make a difference when society seems to have gone crazy and is on a downward spiral away from righteousness? Is there hope?

Yes. Don’t give up—there is hope. God’s Word shows the righteous can influence their world in a powerful way through prayer.

  • Prayer is our mandate.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (I Timothy 2:1-2, NKJV).

Prayer should be our first course of action. We should pray for God’s blessings upon those in authority. Ask Him to give them godly wisdom, a heart open to His Word, and wise counselors. When leaders honor God, we can live quiet and peaceful lives.

  • Prayer is powerful.

James 5:16 assures us, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect” (CSV). Just the sound of this verse makes me want to stand up straighter as I realize prayer is powerful; prayer is effective. If we are fervent in our prayers, they will make a difference.

  • Prayer requires humility and repentance.

If we sincerely want our land to be healed, we must approach God in humility and repentance.  “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” (II Chronicles 7:14).

It often easier to complain than act. Ezekiel 22:30 says, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” We must challenge ourselves to boldly step out. God is calling us to stand in the gap. He is calling us to pray powerful prayers.

God will use our prayers to change our world.

Prayer: Lord, help me to make a difference in my world through constant, consistent prayer. I realize that the days are evil and the unrighteous seem to prevail. But I also realize that You have placed me here at this point in time to intercede for my nation and its leaders. If we come to You in humility and repentance, You will hear our prayers and heal our land. We accept Your call and will earnestly pray for Your righteousness to fill our nation.

Author

Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.

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