Oct 20, 2010
There are only nine days left of the 40 day portion of the 40/40 Prayer Vigil. Yesterday we prayed for religious liberty for all, and today we are praying for the nation’s leaders to lead exemplary lives. In many ways these two are dependent on each other. Consider the quote below from John Leland, and let it also encourage us as we pray that our leaders lead with true virtue:
“There is a common saying, ‘that a republican government is the best in the world if people only have virtue enough to bear it.’ If people had virtue enough, there would be no need of any government. Government becomes necessary on account of the vices of men. Can a royal monarch, or a splendid junto of nobles, make the people happy without virtue? The great empires of the earth have crumbled into atoms for the want of virtue, as well as the most flourishing republics. How subject we are to place our eyes on the pomp and splendor of the court and overlook the miseries of the people. Those who so frequently are making the above observation, should do all they can to save and foster that government which they own is best; but for the most part, the remark is made by men who are wishing to sap the foundation of a republican government, trick the people out of their liberties, and raise themselves to a state of pre-eminence above the control of others.” Leland, John The Writings of the Late Elder John Leland (New York: G. W. Wood, 1845), 419.
Oct 15, 2010
Prayer for National Renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Perparation
“1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
“17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18
“3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” Esther 10:3
Communities that work together can resolve the most stubborn problems.
Preparation
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to…
- Put it in the hearts of the people to desire peace
- Give community leaders wisdom to resolve conflicts in their communities
- Burden the churches to become more involved in their communities
- Restrain Satan from creating divisions in the community
- Cause media to report on positive developments in communities
- Help law enforcement find and convict those who break the laws and destroy communities
- Help communities develop effective ways to help troubled youth
Thanksgiving
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Oct 15, 2010
Prayer for National Renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Perparation
“1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
“17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18
“3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” Esther 10:3
Communities that work together can resolve the most stubborn problems.
Preparation
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to…
- Put it in the hearts of the people to desire peace
- Give community leaders wisdom to resolve conflicts in their communities
- Burden the churches to become more involved in their communities
- Restrain Satan from creating divisions in the community
- Cause media to report on positive developments in communities
- Help law enforcement find and convict those who break the laws and destroy communities
- Help communities develop effective ways to help troubled youth
Thanksgiving
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
