Pray

Alba 5-5-2024

PRAY

II Chronicles 7:14

This past Thursday, May 2nd, was the National Day of Prayer.

A bill was passed on April 17, 1952 stating that: “The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” It was signed by President Truman.

Every President since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation. But the problem with the Truman proclamation was that it set no definite date or day for united prayer during the spring.

That would take place many years later. In 1979, a National Prayer Committee was officially formed and the first National Day of Prayer observance under their direction took place in 1983 at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., and featured Vice President George Bush and Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie as speakers.

Finally, on May 5, 1988 another bill was passed amending the first one that said: “The President shall set aside and proclaim the First Thursday in May in each year, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” And it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

Then in 1998 an amendment was passed to strengthen what was said before that stated: “The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer.”

The focus of prayers on Thursday were for seven centers of influence in our country which include: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family. All are worthy and in need of our prayers. I am sure all of us are concerned about the drift of our nation. We have witnessed lots of changes in our lifetimes, much of it not good.

A website called Intercessors for America has a list of issues that need prayer. Here are a few of them: Open borders; Reckless monetary policy; Virulent promotion of abortion; Anti-family policies with regard to gender, sexuality, and marriage; A refusal to investigate claims of election fraud; Coordinated suppression of free speech; An ironic fomenting of racism and divisiveness through DEI initiatives, and more.

Any and all of what is on their list should drive us to seek the Lord in prayer for His intervention. The great thing is that as Christians, we don't have to wait until there is proclamation, or wait for a certain day in order to pray. The call to pray is stated clearly in scripture. One place especially clear is found in II Chronicles 7:14. There, the Lord says:

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

The immediate reference is to the Jewish nation, God’s special people. But surely, God's promises continue to be valid. And we know that when we are obedient to the will and way of God, we receive blessings that come from Him. Any group or nation that desires to have a personal relationship with the almighty God of the universe should pay attention to this call to prayer.

These words of the Lord in II Chronicles 7:14 are in direct response to the prayer that King Solomon prayed at the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem. Solomon knew that the people would not be all that they should be. So in his prayer he asked this of God: “May You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.” (II Chronicles 6:21)

Then Solomon lists a number of reasons why the people would be coming to the temple to pray. One would be if a person sinned against their neighbor. Another was if the nation was defeated by an enemy because of their sins. Or if there is no rain because of their sins. Or if the nation is taken captive. But if they turn back with all their heart and soul, Solomon asked, Lord will you hear if they call on you?

That's when the Lord answered and said: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

But such a prayer has conditions. First, the Lord says if you want me to hear and answer your prayers:

1. Humble Yourself