Prayer for our Nation

Prayer for the Nations II Chron 7: 14

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV 1900

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

This chapter in the bible is dealing with the completion and dedication of Solomons temple. Elijah while dealing with the false prophets of Baal on mount Carmel prayer in I Kings 18: 37. Read verse 38.

1 Kings 18:37 KJV 1900

Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

King Hezekiah while surrounded by the enemy King Sennacherib prayed in II Chron 32: 21

2 Chronicles 32:21 KJV 1900

And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

In the New Testament Acts 12: 1 – 5. James the brother of John was filled by Herod who seen that it pleased the people proceeded to take Peter but the Passover was near. But while the church prayers without ceasing God sent an angel to deliver Peter. As we read the word of God we learn that great events were proceeded by great prayer.

Acts 12:1–5 KJV 1900

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

The world certainly seems to be in chaos at this time. Covid hit us from nowhere, two weeks has turned into two plus years. Putin the leader of Russia has moved into the Ukraine. China has threatened to invade Taiwan. Just on a prophetic note they are the two mighty nations that are mentioned about in the end days. As I have been preaching on the family we see the deterioration of the family unit. Morals and Christian values are under attack. What was right is now wrong and what was wrong is right!!!

If ever there was a time for prayer it is now.

I. Notice in II Chron 7: 14 the little word “if”. This shows that God’s people must

A. Humble themselves

James 4: 6 The Lord will hear from heaven if we humble ourselves. We are in the mess that we are in, not because of any fault of God but of our own sinfulness. Our own pride. Many of us have neglected our prayer lives for our family, our church our nation and it is evident because of the chaos.

B. Pray

All throughout scripture we are told to pray. Over 400 times the words pray or prayer are mentioned. The book of Acts which records the New Testament of the church is filled with the people of God praying.

But we have been given entertainment and now we do not have time to pray. Prayer meeting is neglected and since Covid many prayer meeting are barely attended.

C. Seek God’s Face

We will pray to the Lord out of determination or out of desperation. Either we will determine to pray and seek God face because we have determined to do it. Or the alternative will be to seek God out of desperation. O God I have neglected you and things are bad. O God our nation has despised you and now we are going under.

II. The word “then” shows us what God will do.

A. God will hear from heaven

B. God will forgive their sin.

C. God will heal our land.

III. How do we pray for our nation?

A. Let’s prayer for God to renew an excitement for his return.

Luke 21:36 I Cor. 15: 58

Luke 21:36 KJV 1900

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

B. Let’s be thankful for the freedoms that we do have. Showing gratitude is very important.

C. God to accomplish His will.

D. Pray for our leaders and get involved in political opportunities.

E. Help us to put our trust in God

F. For the people of our nation

Their salvation

G. Help us from “lukewarmness”.

H. Eyes to see and ears to hear.

I. Forgive our nation and ask for Gods mercy. Isa. 1: 4

Isaiah 1:4 KJV 1900

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, A seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: They have forsaken the Lord, They have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, They are gone away backward.

J. Forgive our nation for idolatry

K. Forgive us for being forgetful Hos 13: 6

Hosea 13:6 KJV 1900

According to their pasture, so were they filled; They were filled, and their heart was exalted; Therefore have they forgotten me.

L. Protection from other nations.

M. Shine as lights and be like salt.