Faithful Christians across this nation have devoted themselves to fervent prayer and fasting over the course of this election season. While we may never know the full affect of those prayers, we know they are effective . . . and pleasing to our God Who Hears.
Petitions for wisdom in vote casting, and for godly leadership, are vital but they barely scratch the surface of the great need we have as a nation. Accompaniments can easily include prayers for a great awakening to God, for acceptance of His truth, and for humble submission to His will, His word, and His ways.
We enjoy great freedoms and privileges from the accomplishments of past generations, as well as a bountiful harvest from the prayers of our forefathers. This is something we can do for those who come after us. And we can strive to steward well the blessings of God so lavishly graced upon us.
Even though, as Christians, we are exiles and strangers here, I am thankful for this land I call home. For those who have sacrificed much for the freedom and blessings we enjoy. But I am especially humbled that our Sovereign, Almighty Lord and King paid the ultimate price for the freedom and blessings we enjoy in Him—wherever we call home.
As Americans we have the great freedom of prayer. As Christians, we have the responsibility to do so. So, this day before the American presidential election, I’m praying Psalm 85 for this country. And I’d love for you to join me:
Lord, you poured out blessings on your land!
You forgave the guilt of your people—
yes, you covered all their sins.
You held back your fury.
You kept back your blazing anger.
Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Put aside your anger against us once more.
Won’t you revive us again,
so your people can rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.
Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!
Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
preparing the way for his steps.
(NLT - adapted for purpose of prayer)
I acknowledge the fact that this psalm was written for God’s elect, Israel, and am aware that there are promises God made specifically to them. Therein lies a real possibility for pride to usurp what is not rightfully its own. But there are applicable principles and timeless truths in God’s Word that can be employed reverently in prayer. And one of them is that God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will be done.
That is a prayer we can all unite to say, “Amen.”
Comments