#556 “The Response” Fasting and Prayer Rally – Precedent for National Prayer

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many, if not most, of the founding fathers of the United States of America had a faith in God that led them to call the nation to prayer. The first such call to prayer was in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation.  Since that time there has been a rich history of calls to prayer by national leaders such as Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln, withstanding criticism and lawsuits from organizations intent on keeping public prayer out ofAmerica’s life.  In spite of setbacks for organized prayer that have come from the courts in the name of the separation of church and state, national days of prayer still continue and are a vital part of our heritage.  Most of the nation’s leaders recognize that America has been blessed by the hand of Almighty God through prayers offered by the American people and continue to call for national times of prayer.  National riches cannot save America when the people turn away from God.  As Governor Rick Perry stated in his invitation letter to “The Response,” “There is hope for America.  It lies in heaven, and we will find it on our knees.”

Are you on your knees praying for your nation?

“Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:  Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.”  (Isaiah 2:7-8)

May God Richly Bless You Today

#555 “The Response” Fasting and Prayer Rally – Praise and Criticism

  Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Yesterday’s prayer rally, recognized to be a time of fasting and prayer for the nation and national leaders, drew both praise and criticism.  Praised by Christians and thankful unbelievers alike for the opportunity to unite as one in corporate prayer and thanksgiving, many people poured out their hearts and petitions to the Lord on behalf of America’s needs and problems while thanking and praising Him for the freedom and blessings He has bestowed on America.  At the same time, there was criticism and protests leveled at Governor Perry and the event as being strictly a political ploy to assist his candidacy for United States President, for the absence of participation by various “religious” groups, and for distorting the church-state separation, criticism coming from both those who do and do not believe in prayer.  Only God knows human motive and intent, but He also knows the blessings He has bestowed upon America due to national times of prayer put forth since the establishment of the nation.  God desires we pray as a nation and, regardless of any praise or criticism, has His eyes open and ears attuned to the sincere prayers of His people. 

Whether you have had praise or criticism for “The Response,” spend time praying forAmerica, that God will continue to pour out His blessings on her!

“Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.”  (II Chronicles 7:15)

May God Richly Bless You Today

#554 “The Response” Fasting and Prayer Rally – The Need

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, Saturday, August 6, 2011, there will be a well-publicized prayer event in the United States, called “The Response.”  Governor Rick Perry of Texas has called for a seven-hour time of prayer and fasting for the nation at the 71,000-seat Reliant Stadium in Houston,Texas.  There are many Christians, including Governor Perry and other Christian leaders, who believe the greatest and only hope for America to solve her problems is through prayer, and there are a multitude of problems that need our prayers.  There is no doubt the moral fiber of America has deteriorated, economic woes have overtaken the country, joblessness has jeopardized many families, natural disasters have claimed thousands of lives, the cloud of terror is always hovering, political manipulation has shaken the confidence of many Americans, and a general morose has overcome a great percentage of Americans.  Yet, the United States enjoys the greatest freedom in the world, a testimony of God’s blessing upon her, and for that we all will give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father.

Spend today praising and thanking the Lord for the freedom and blessing you enjoy if you are a citizen of the United States while praying to Him for protection and to heal the nation!    

“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.”  (II Chronicles 7:14)

May God Richly Bless You Today