In the US we celebrate the National Day of Prayer. Too bad it’s not more than one day. Unfortunately for the health of our country, our leaders have decided it’s right to give other crowds a month of recognition. If they only knew that prayer is the most protective and powerful tool at our disposal. And it is a gift God gives to all Christians equally.
Is Prayer an Add on?
Daily I get dozens of appeals for money for vital concerns and worthy initiatives for America. It comes as a shock to me when there is not an appeal for money. Few make an appeal for prayer, and when they do, they include and conclude with an appeal for money. The message, blatant or subliminal, is that money is the most important thing, and prayer is just an add on.
Money is not unimportant. Money is a measure of labor–mental and/or physical. When you give money you are giving of yourself, donating effort, and sacrificing other things money could buy. However, we need more than what we can do or give; we need God–His mercy and power and grace.
In God We Trust?
Have you noticed that on every piece of our coins and currency is prominently displayed the words, “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Yes, all in capital letters! Apparently once upon a time our government wanted to encourage all Americans to trust in God above money.
I was just thinking. Most people these days make their financial transactions with debit and credit cards. None of my cards have the words “In God we trust” on them. I say we petition Congress to mandate that we put these words on all our plastic, as well as metal and paper money. What say you?
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us all things to enjoy. Let them be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Give Us This Day
A national day of prayer has more potential for good than anything else, But better yet, make your nation–and your church, as well as your personal concerns a matter of daily prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread”–and the rest of the Lord’s Prayer is obviously meant to be prayed daily.
“Pray at all times in the Spirit, using every kind of prayer. Be alert and keep at it continually.” (Ephesians 6:18) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in every circumstance, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16) Jesus promises, “Truly, truly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you. Hitherto you have asked for nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24)
“Truly, truly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you.”
John 16:23
Greatest Weapons
In the war we are in, our greatest armor and weapons are the Word of God and prayer. Use them.
