Prayer Changes Things
March 24, 2010
Do you believe that prayer changes things? Although we can all see that America is going downhill fast, we Christians have a God-given privilege and responsibility to pray. Our city is in trouble because of our own sin, but God always offers forgiveness and restoration.
There was a time when Israel wanted to be like the other nations by having their own king, instead of having God rule over them through the prophets. So when the prophet Samuel reluctantly anointed Saul as king, he still recognized his responsibility to pray for the rebellious land of Israel. Listen to what he said….
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way” (1 Samuel 12:23). Today, we must pray for our city and our country. Only God can change us from the inside out.
Let’s pray…
1. Let’s pray for ourselves
Dear Lord,
Sometimes we have been like Israel in wanting to be like the world, instead of turning only to You. Forgive us for yielding to the enticements of a Godless world system. Forgive us for listening to the knowledge of the world, instead of Your wisdom.
2. Let’s pray for our country
Dear Lord,
We have known both Your blessings and Your curses. Help us to learn from history that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Draw us back to our first love with You and You alone. Forgive us for our adulterous hearts in going after other gods. You alone can bring purpose to our cities and nation.
3. Let’s pray for the global advance of the gospel
Dear Lord,
Again we are reminded that only You can bring peace to our world. Only You can change the hearts of mankind. Today we pray for both the Christians and Muslims of Nigeria, Africa. We remember the families of the 500 Christians that were murdered this month. We again declare that ‘Jesus is Lord over Nigeria.’ Comfort those who have lost loved ones, and let the love of Christ be felt throughout their entire land. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.