Last night we gathered as body, coming humbly before our heavenly Father to intercede in prayer for our nation, its leaders, and tomorrow's election. How it blessed my heart to see the auditorium filled with 600 people at 6pm on a Sunday, to spend an hour and a half gathered making petition to our Lord, lifting up the needs of this nation, and humbling ourselves, confessing just how far we've come from that which God called us to be. For 90 minutes there was not a silent moment. Prayer after prayer was lifted up in endless intercession. Just as Daniel, understanding the Word of the Lord, watched and waited for the Lord to move so too did I sense an anticipation in our fellowship for the Lord to do something among us as well.
I earnestly pray that we will continue to be a people of prayer. If on Wednesday we awaken to find the next leader of our nation to be one who promises a return to more traditional values we need to continue to be ever vigilant as evil forces are still very much at work eroding the foundation of this once great nation. And if we wake up Wednesday to find that the next season of the United State's leadership is one that will facilitate the further decay of our already lost nation, then we will all the more lift up our country that the resulting dissipation would ultimately culminate in repentance and revival in this land once more, and pray for our president to come humbly before the Lord, that he may be brought to his knees and turn. Lift up our leaders! There is no telling what the Lord will do!
Abraham appealed to the Lord on behalf of Sodom & Gomorrah, God agreeing that if even ten righteous were found, He would spare the cities.
Moses interceded on behalf of the children of Israel on multiple occasions, sparing them God's wrath.
Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel each came humbly before the Lord, identifying themselves with the sins of their people. Holding themselves equally accountable before God, appealing to Him for His mercies on the people, and proclaiming God's greatness.
Jesus prayed for His disciples, He prayed for us, and He even prayed for those who crucified Him... "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do."
The list goes on. Take some time to meditate on Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 9, and Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9. Oh, that we would come before the Lord as they did... We have the ultimate privilege of coming before our heavenly Father as His sons and daughters, and lifting up our concerns to Him. What are you doing with that privilege? Don't let it be wasted. Come before Him. Pray for our leaders, pray for our nation, pray those whom the Lord will put in your path – that you may be a beacon of light to them in a dark world.
Pray for tomorrow's elections, and get out there and vote. Let the Christian voice of this nation be heard. Let your values be known. Let your God be glorified in your words and deeds. As people put their own desires on the throne and see you put God on the throne, ahead of personal gain, ahead of self indulgence, let them see Christ in you. Let them see that there is another way, one that does not lead to destruction, but to everlasting life.
Blessings in Him,
Lloyd Pulley
Senior Pastor
