With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times
[on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit,
and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition
[interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.
(Ephesians 6:18 AMP)
I have been sensing a call to pray more intently for our nation and world. As you know, early and absentee voting has started in many states, even though Election Day is six weeks away. Yet, I didn’t know that I had words for prayer in this direction. Isn’t it just like God to point me toward what I needed? I was searching through some old blog posts and found this from July 22, 2020:
Earlier this week I was struggling with an unsettled feeling. I think I was starting to get overwhelmed by the enormity and seriousness of the spiritual war we are in. Who am I to pray in that war? I’m not a prayer warrior, only someone who (at least recently) calls people to pray. I don’t have extensive experience (well, really almost none) in warrior prayer. “If you can use me, Lord, use me,” is about what I have to offer. But if Jesus can use tax collectors, prostitutes, fishermen, etc., he can use me.
Then I was quiet and meditating on this and realized that God can use each and every prayer. Just as in the Church there are many members who have many widely varying gifts, all are used for serving Christ’s body. And just as there are many types of prayer, each prayer prayed with a sincere heart and as the Spirit leads is necessary and worthwhile. So, even mine – and yours – is a sweet sound in God’s ears. We shouldn’t neglect to pray because we think we aren’t worthy; in Christ we are worthy and our voices should join with the companies of heaven to intercede for this world.
Sometimes, we all have to pray even as we work. Nehemiah assigned the workers who were rebuilding the wall to always have a weapon in hand for defense – this is a model for today. No matter what our work is, we should carry our weapon (prayer). Not every workman on the wall was an expert in wall building, but still they built. Not every prayer is prayed by an expert. But each worker counts. And every prayer counts.
As we strive to grow and get stronger in Kingdom work and in prayers, God will take what we offer. But let’s keep striving to strengthen our offering. Prayer warriors come in all sizes, shapes, and capacities. But every prayer and every pray-er is critical in the spiritual war we are in.
Today, may we join together to pray for our nation, our states, and our communities.
Hear our cry, O God; listen to our prayer. From the many corners of this nation we call to you, even as our hearts sometimes grow faint. Lead us to the Rock that is higher than we are. For you have been our refuge and a strong tower against the foe. You have guarded and guided this nation and your Church through the ages. You have never forsaken your people because you are faithful to those you love. We long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. You have given us the heritage of godly men and women before us who have feared your name and worked to bring your Kingdom to earth. May we graciously pass this baton to generations to come. We pray for your blessing and favor and especially protection to be upon those in all levels of civil government and in the Church’s governance. We pray you would cause these leaders to men and women of integrity and honor, men and women that are after your own heart and your righteousness. May they be surrounded by wise, godly counsel and know what is best to do for their sphere of influence and responsibility. May they desire to be enthroned in your presence forever and may your love and faithfulness protect them. We sing in praise of your name and seek to be faithful in prayer and service to you each day. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we continue to pray, worship, and seek your face for this nation and your Church. May your glory be poured out upon us and our leaders. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].” (Luke 21:36 AMP)
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Increase the days of the king’s life,
his years for many generations.
May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
and fulfill my vows day after day. (Psalm 61:1-8 NIV)
(Prayer adapted from September 11, 2020 post.)