Every American President since Harry Truman has signed a proclamation for a National Day of Prayer–A day set aside for prayer and fasting for our nation. James 5:16 states: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Fervent prayer of a righteous man. And who is righteous? Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And Romans 5:8 explains further, “But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It is by Christ and his righteousness that we can take on the garment of righteousness. While, there may be many flaws in many a person, Christs brings his own before the throne of God.
If there ever were a time where our nation needs prayer and fasting it is today. This Day. And not only this day, but beyond. As is written in 2 Timothy 3:1-7, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Does this not describe our society? A sad state of affairs. Ironic that some of the very leaders that support the National Day of Prayer are among those described in the verses above. Their daily lives are dedicated to the killing of the unborn, slandering and lying about those who disagree with their horrible and silly concepts of life—lives without God. Their hate is immeasurable for the things of God, even to deny His creation. Yet, they can piously partake in proclaiming this Day and use it for self-promotion in hopes of showing all that they truly are “good” people deserving of a vote. To those, they surely will have their reward. To us of the Way, let us not be deterred. Let us lift up our voices in mighty and sincere praise of the Lord.
Let us pray for His will to be done here on earth and in our nation, as it is in heaven. Let us thank Him for His daily provision and pray that we do not return sin for sin. Let us pray for mercy on our nation. Though we are deserving of much wrath, may His mercy and lovingkindness deliver us. Let us pray for healing among our countrymen; that tongues of division and speaking evil will be exchanged for loving one another as Christ so loved us. Yes, many will say, “we are too far gone.” But remember the parable of the mustard seed and Christ’s words in Mark 10:27, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” As a nation, He is our hope and salvation.
