2004-10-14 - Political Prayer

2 Cor 10:3-7 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, ⁴ for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. ⁵ We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. ⁷ You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. (NAS)

We are less than two months from election day in the United States. It is a dizzying time of promises, debates and speeches. Many promises are things that are often beyond the single reach of the candidates, requiring the cooperation of the Congress to become reality. Other things are more clearly attainable or not attainable. I have my own political views, but chose not to express them here. I will say, vote with thought applied - but vote. God has granted us this privilege to select leadership we feel is best for this nation. Is the system perfect? Far from it. The world system is corrupt. But that is no excuse to abdicate. We are told to be salt and light to the world. They are both active agents that preserve and illuminate.

I have heard ministers urge their congregations to vote. In different elections I have heard some even specify one candidate or another. I'm not sure how I feel about that kind of pressure being leveled from God's pulpit. But one thing is sure in my mind. Even more important than voting with thought, this should be a time of prayer asking for guiding of our hearts and minds. Ministers should be urging their congregations to pray for the Lord to place the man into office that will lead this nation according to His wishes.

I received an email that reminded me of a story I had forgotten. During World War II, an advisor to Winston Churchill organized a group to pray for the preservation, safety and peace of England for one minute at a particular hour of the day. One minute before the Throne of Grace, petitioning the Lord of Hosts asking for His grace to be extended over the nation and its people likely had more impact that most of us will realize until we stand in the presence of God. That kind of prayer should be practiced now.

We are reminded that prayer is one of our spiritual weapons. More matters have a spiritual basis than we are aware. In Daniel 10:13, Daniel is told by the angel Gabriel that his prayer had been answered the first day Daniel prayed. But the "prince of the kingdom of Persia", a fallen angel, had withstood Gabriel . While Daniel had asked for understanding about a vision, a spiritual matter, there is no reason to believe that angels to not battle over our prayers as well. Daniel's vision was important. God's will for a sick child, or preparation for a test or performance, or forgiveness for ourselves and others are also important. Our actions often have impact we can't foresee and seem unrelated. The Lord uses them in the end to suit his purposes.

Finally, it is important to remember that prayer is a conversation with God Almighty. While we bring our requests, it is important to remember Who is in charge. We are His beloved children. What father does not delight in spending time with his sons and daughters? And we are told to come boldly into His presence with our requests, not with our demands. We are the ones who get the marching orders that are given. He is the Potter. We are the clay.

Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (KJV)

Lord Jesus, help us to put aside the rhetoric and drum beating. Give us clear minds and hearts open to your direction. Teach us to hear your quiet voice over the din of this world in all things. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org