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