Wednesday, July 8, 2009

What should motivate us to pray?

The condition of our nation is evidence that we need to pray for God’s intervention. No one will argue that many families are struggling economically right now. Our mortgage and banking industries are in crisis. Politicians make decisions based on what is best for themselves or what is popular—not what is best for the country. Families are weakened by divorce, abortion, and promiscuity. Terrorism and natural disasters threaten our security. Many people and even some churches are redefining morality based on what is popular or convenient.

Biblical warnings should also motivate us to pray. Moses warned the Israelites, “It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish” (Deut. 8:19). In 2 Chronicles 7, the Lord told His people, “If you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot you from My land which I have given you, and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples” . This passage clearly indicates that God will send adversity to get the attention of His people.

How does this apply to us as believers? The United States has enjoyed prosperity­­––more than almost any other nation—as a result of God’s favor upon our country. We have experienced spiritual abundance too: Churches preach the Word of God, Bibles and other resources are readily available, and numerous ministries broadcast the gospel across our land. However, as a whole, we have forsaken the Lord and His commandments. Instead of basing decisions on God’s principles, Americans tend to act according to personal preference or popular opinion. There can be little doubt that our nation is in spiritual rebellion.

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