August 16, 2015

We have been talking about praying for our nation and community. Prayer is not given as a religious discipline or a metaphysical conduit. This is a Divine means in which the Ruler of the Universe has a conversation with His People. It is more than asking, it is basking. It is to bask in the Presence of the Living God and engage the world with His Heart, His Words, His Feet, and extending His Hands in the earth.

“Prayer is not given to get man’s will done in Heaven. It is given for God’s Will to be done in the Earth.” --John Maxwell

We pray with all types of prayer for all types of people.  For our family and friends, our co-workers and colleagues, our enemies and our supporters. We pray for the Lost and the Prodigals, the Wounded and the Outcast, the broken and the frightened. Oh my dear friends, we have so much to do and so much to pray that the plans of our Father will be done in our lives.

God also commands that we pray for ALL of those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). To pray for “all those in authority” is exactly what the Apostle Paul meant. Through prayer, we are actually involved in the governance and authority structure of our world!  Remember, when Paul wrote those words, notorious and despicable Roman Emperors ruled the Land.  So Beloved, no matter who is in leadership, we must remember to pray for all those who have authority in our lives, knowing that they answer to the ultimate authority: the LORD God Almighty.

Proverbs 21:1 NCV  - The LORD can control a king’s mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases.

One of the reasons we are commanded to pray this way, is in order to live PEACEFUL and QUIET LIVES, with PURITY and GRACE…so that the Gospel will be proclaimed by both our WORDS and our DEEDS.

Oh Beloved, do not be discouraged.  Do not be disheartened. The Lord is not only with us, but He will fulfill HIS GOOD PURPOSES in the Earth, in our nation, in our city, in our neighborhood, and in our lives.  Just remember something Dr. Jack Hayford said over forty years ago, that I have kept near my heart for my entire ministry: “Prayer is Invading the Impossible!” 

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV78 – For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.