Fog-Lifter: Praying for our Nation Again

         "Too much talk, not enough prayer."  It was that still little voice speaking when I asked God what was going on with America.

     I haven't asked much, I admit it.  Like everyone else I have been pretty distracted with good things-my kids, my life, my goals and my marriage.  All good things.

     But, I needed a breather.  A thinking space.  A carved-out prayer time just for a tired mommy.  So graciously my husband booked a place for me to pull away for a few hours and get re-oriented after a disorienting albeit blessed year.  Having a baby is a HUGE blessing, but it can bring a baby fog that can last for at least a few months (as it should).


     As I asked the Lord what He thought of current events in America, I felt the grieving heart of God for His American church resound within my heart.    It woke me up, to say the least.  The mommy fog lifted for a moment and I knew what it meant.

    The church in America was talking OUT more than UP, ME INCLUDED.  For the one finger I wanted to point at the church I had 4 pointing back at me.  Somehow we have been deceived into thinking that if we share our opinion on social media enough, our chosen presidential candidate will be voted in and all our problems will be over.  If more and more people would just take on our opinion, we could win this thing!

Wrong.


Also  it seems every Christian has had a different opinion about who could change this nation for the better.  So now even Christians are pitted against each other in their view point.  Do you see what's happening?   That's right.  

Nothing.  

If the enemy can't distract us, than he will divide us.  And we are still not utilizing God's precise and perfect tool.   We still haven't grabbed hold of the one thing bestowed upon us that can change history.


    God's plan is different than ours, as usual.  His thoughts are higher than ours, as it clearly says.  We are taking a wooden spoon into a surgical operation, instead of a scalpel.  We are using the wrong tool.  And its getting us no where.


  He 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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.   I Chronicles 7:14


  So let's do it!  

1)  Let's collectively humble ourselves and pray and seek His face.  What does it look like?  Maybe we are looking at prayer times in the wrong way? What if we look at prayer time as a blessing, not another task on our long list of duties.  Get a cup of coffee, find a quiet place and direct your attention on Him.  Start with 10 or 20 minutes and let it grow from there.  Get addicted to worshipping Him and finding Him.  Get refreshed by getting quiet.  In this crazy life, He gives us a way to get refueled, but when we skimp out, we actually are the ones that suffer most.

2.)Pray!  Put America at the top of your prayer list.  If you are like me your prayer list is growing all the time as your responsibilities grow.  (speaking to myself here)But if we just give this subject a few minutes a day-asking for God's will to be done, His Kingdom come-He will answer the collective cry of His church.

2.)  Let's turn from our wicked ways.  How?  Again, His ways are not our ways. Let's ask Him what offends Him.  He will surely tell us if we want to know.  Let's find it in His word.  If He shows us what is offensive to Him than surely He will help us change and steer clear.


This summer, let's press in.  Let's change history! Let's use the tools He gives us for the job!  For some this might also include a little fasting-giving up something that you think you can't live without, to lean upon Him in a more significant way.  For some chocolate might be the thing and for others going without meat or a meal everyday is more appropriate.  Lean in and ask Him.  He's faithful and loves to give us, His kids, the Kingdom.    (Luke 12:32)

Below are a list of 5 practical ways for a busy person to include prayer for America in their day.  Can you think of 5 more creative ways?

1)On a walk
2)Prayer before a meal
3)In the shower
4)Mowing the lawn
5)Driving to a destination

Two Words: Just Come

   

    Its 7am and already our 4 children are awake.  Dad is trying to get (some kind of) quiet time on the back porch with his coffee.  Voices are chattering, doors are slamming, drawers are opening and shutting.  Life is swirling.  And its only 7.  

    I am reminded of a verse I read earlier in the week.  I take in a huge breath of air and release a grateful sigh.   He's here, in the midst of my lively ones.  In the midst of my messy, door slamming, baby crying, chattering house.  He's already here.  That's good news.  That would make anyone sigh with relief.  God is already here waiting for me to do just one thing.


   Here is what I read:

"Therefore, He is able to save completely all those who come to Him because He ever lives to intercede for them."  Hebrews 7:25



    Did you see it?  This morning I did.  Read it again.  There it is.  A clear delineation of responsibility.  What's He asking of me today?  Just to come to Him.  And what does He promise those who do that simple thing?  Something exceedingly great.   He promises to SAVE them COMPLETELY.  Big sigh.  Aaaah.  His burden, not mine.  And on top of that He says He is constantly, forever praying for me.  Insert another big sigh.  The crushing weight is lifted off my shoulders.


      This is the Gospel I signed up for.  This is the "weight-lifted-off-my-shoulders God" who I fell in love with.  But in a world swirling with responsibility, complex problems, busyness and sometimes confusion its easy to forget what I signed up for.  But there it is again.  His simple Calling on my life.  I wish it had a more prominent ring to it or sounded more eloquent.  After 25 years shouldn't I get some kind of edgy title (speaking facetiously)?

Nope.

    Its not the way of the Gospel.  This is our inside-out God with an upside-down Kingdom who shows up in our messy lives.  The pharisees were constantly having to learn this.  In fact Jesus said to be careful of those who put heavy weights on you that you can hardly lift.  Watch out for those who pervert His simple Gospel!  Run the other way!  Steer clear of anything that makes it complicated!    (Matthew 23:3-5)

   Why?  Because He already attained it.  But He just wants us to do one simple thing.

    Two words:  Just come.

     And keep coming.

   I can hear my own version of Dory from Finding Nemo. "Just keep coming, Just keep coming . . ."

    And in even simpler terms,  He is saying keep TALKING to me.  Talk to me in the quietness of morning.  Talk to me while you do the dishes, chase children and wipe bottoms.  Talk to me in twos and threes (He really likes it when we talk to Him with each other Matt.18:19)  You can always talk to me.  You can always come.  I know you don't have it altogether yet.  I know you haven't arrived.  I will do that part.  You do yours.


  Teach your kids to come.  Tell your neighbors and your friends.  I am good.  I am gentle.  I am humble.  I am compassionate and kind.  So come.  Just do that and I will do the rest.  On top of that I will bring rest to your weary soul.    (Matt. 11:28)

    Just come.  And He will do the REST.