“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14, ESV)
Have you ever questioned whether prayer will really make a difference? Is it possible to change the course of a nation just by praying? Or is it presumptuous for us to believe our petitions to the Lord are powerful enough to change what happens? According to the above verse, when we humble ourselves before God and seek His face in prayer, our prayers have the power to become a catalyst for the healing of our land. Power is released when we prayer.
A CALL TO PRAYER
Esther, the Jewish girl who became a queen, believed prayer was the best course of action for a people in crisis. When the lives of the Jewish people were threatened by wicked Haman, Esther fasted and prayed before she acted. She also asked others to join her in fasting and praying. Serious situations call for serious prayer, and this was a life-or-death matter. No Jew was safe. Even those in the farthermost regions of the Persian kingdom were in danger.
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16, ESV)
Esther knew she needed to pray big prayers, bold prayers. She also knew the power of binding together with others in prayer. Those united prayers changed the course of events. God gave her favor with the king and wisdom in how to expose Haman’s evil intentions toward the Jewish people.
Haman was hung on the same gallows he had built for Mordecai, Esther’s cousin. Then, a new decree was rushed to all parts of the kingdom allowing the Jews to defend themselves against those who had hoped to annihilate them (Esther 8:11). Circumstances had looked bleak, but prayer and fasting brought victory.
WHY PRAY?
Scripture admonishes us to pray for those who hold positions of leadership. It is our duty as a child of God.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (I Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
This passage tells us that “first of all” we are to pray. We often find it easier to complain and criticize. When we pray instead of complain, it does not mean we approve of every action or embrace legislation that opposes God’s Word. The Bible does call us to respect the position of authority even if the one filling that position lacks integrity. Through our prayers, we in turn are blessed to “lead a quiet and peaceable life.” (Read I Peter 2:13-17 and Titus 3:1-2.)
It is God who sets standards of conduct for those in leadership. He is the one who will hold them accountable for how they use their authority. Second Samuel 23:3 says, “He who rules over men must be just,
ruling in the fear of God” (NKJV). Our prayer should for leaders of this caliber to fill the offices of our nation, our states or provinces, and our cities.
TAKE TIME TO PRAY
Can one man or woman change the destiny of a nation? Yes! And you can be that person.
“The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16, NKJV).
Prayer Points for Our Leaders
- To set their hearts and souls to seek the Lord (I Chronicles 22:19).
- To do what is right in God’s sight (II Chronicles 20:32).
- To courageously stand up for what is right (Isaiah 41:10-13).
- To be receptive to godly counsel (Psalm 1:1).
- To have integrity and uprightness (Psalm 25:21).
- To allow wisdom to enter their hearts (Proverbs 2:10).
- To come to a saving knowledge of truth (I Timothy 2:4).
Prayer Points for Our Nation
- That God will raise up intercessors (Isaiah 59:16).
- That blinded minds will see the light of the gospel (II Corinthians 4:4).
- That God will bring the hidden things of darkness to light (I Corinthians 4:5).
- That as a nation we will humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways (II Chronicles 7:14).
- That God will shower our nation with the rain of His Spirit (Zechariah 10:1).
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
