3 Nov, 2008
"Final Weekend for 'Prayer Warriors' to Appeal to Higher Power"
Was the headline for this article found on foxnews.com. The story goes on to report on the huge numbers of individuals, clergy, and congregations that are frantically calling each other to pray for the country and the upcoming election.
Christians across the country have spent who-knows-how-many-hours encouraging each other to pray, get involved, and get passionate about their faith and convictions during the campaigning for this election. Anxieties are high and the economic crisis, among other things, has instilled a spirit of fear in most Americans. Emails and blogs are petitioning for last minute fasting and prayers in these final hours before election day. And, according to the media, it's our "final weekend . . . to appeal to higher power."
(Image courtesy of googleimages.com)
Finding the Calm Amidst the Storms
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about prayer during times of uncertainty?
Today's God's Story scripture teaches us that no matter what is going on around us, no matter the status of our economy, or who gets elected in tomorrow's election, and no matter how much passion and conviction those around us seem to lack, we are to choose to rejoice in Christ! Rather than stressing out about all that could be and allowing anxieties to well up within us, God calls us to come to Him in prayer, with thanksgiving. And in return God promises us incredible peace - a calm in the midst of the surrounding storm.
The truly remarkable thing about this promise that God give us is that there is no expiration date! He wants us to come to Him all the time - to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17). So although the media and some Christians may feel like this is our last chance for prayer to change this country, may we see this as just another opportunity to come to God and seek His peace! Regardless of who gets elected tomorrow night, we as Christians don't need to be anxious - we can rest in Peace!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Can you imagine where America would be if we all spent as much time, energy, and passion praying for our country, our president, and the nation's future as we've spent in these last couple of months?! Take some time to truly analyze your prayer life - Do you consistently spend quality time with God in prayer (listening to Him speak, confessing your sins, asking Him to move in your life, praising Him for all He does)? And how much time do you honestly spend in prayer for your country, its future, and its leaders?
Here are some ideas for improving your prayer time:
- Begin a prayer journal - Writing down your prayers not only helps you to remember them and stay focused while praying, it also gives you something to look back on so you can better see all the ways God is answering.
- Make a plan for your prayer time - Pick the best time of day for you to have a chunk of time to devote to prayer. You can also plan to pray for specific things on specific days (ex. Mondays - pray for family, Tues. - pray for your country, etc).
- Find a friend or two that you can meet with for prayer and accountability.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- As you begin to develop a deeper and more consistent prayer life, you will be amazed at all of the ways you begin to see God working in and around you. Be sure to give Him glory by sharing these stories and recognizing His hand in them. Let others see the peace He gives you amidst life's storms.
- Become a prayer warrior for your friends - be a source of encouragement to them as you petition God on their behalf. Again, as you see God working and answering your prayers, share those stories!
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