Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:1-3 NIV
There is a renewed hope in the hearts of many Christians as we prayed together this past weekend in Washington D.C. and across America. Gatherings like The Return, the Prayer March, on-going 10 Days of Awe, 40 Days of Love, Re-digging the Wells of Revival and many more gatherings came together on this amazing weekend focused on Jesus; our need to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face, and repent and turn from our wicked ways. Hundreds of thousands of prayers were lifted up throughout the weekend.
As we saw God’s people gather in His Name, love, unity and purpose, I began to hear whispers of hope. People began to give testimony of how they had “almost given up on America." How they were feeling hopeless, and that soon our nation was headed toward certain devastation – but then we prayed together. Light came shining into the darkness and the Name of Jesus was lifted in worship and honor, hearts were cleansed, and the voice was given hope again because we know that God promises to hear our prayers. We know that when we pray His Word back to Him in repentance and obedience and we pray “Your will be done,” that we can open our eyes and watch expectantly to see Him glorify Himself in the answer to our prayers.
I pray that even the thought of this lifts the burdens of your heart, because even if you did not participate with us last weekend you can join us now in unified prayer for America and the world. Call a prayer partner, ask a friend or family member to pray with you, or just know that there is probably at least one of our thousands of National Day of Prayer coordinators praying right now and you can join them right where you sit in this moment as the Spirit prompts you to pray.
It is a privilege to live in America, a blessing that is a part of God’s will and Kingdom purpose in your life. He establishes our days, family, where we live, the times we live in and that assignment includes praying for our nation. In Psalm 122:6 we are also commanded to, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'” This weekend is another opportunity to pray together in agreement for this assignment as we observe the global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.
National Day of Prayer friend, and leader of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, Robert Stearns shared the importance of this day of prayer on the first Sunday of every October. “We set aside this one day each year to raise global awareness and intercession for God's purposes in Israel, knowing that this hour in history is critical and our authority in prayer is great. Though we pray every day for Israel, we seek on this day to unite believers around the world in raising a cry to Heaven on behalf of this troubled, but strategic land and its people. We believe in God's promises for His beloved nation and fervently pray to hasten the day when He brings fulfillment to His word.”
We hope that you and your church will join us in this special Day of Prayer. You can get more information at www.daytopray.com.
Would you please join me in praying together now?
Lord Jesus, thank you for hearing our prayers. We thank you for the access Your blood has given us to the throne room of heaven; to cry out and know that our heavenly Father inclines His ear to His children as we repent and seek His face with praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for Your patience, Your longsuffering with us so that we do not perish in our pride and sin but are reminded again to humble ourselves and return to You; Your Word, Your will, Your ways. Lord, that is our prayer for America and Jerusalem that we would know You, reflect Your Word and worship You in Spirit and Truth. Pour out Your presence, Your peace, the knowledge of the glory of the Lord on our Nations we pray.
Kathy Branzell
President
National Day of Prayer Task Force