Day 40

Forty Days of Prayer for Our Country- Day 40

Thought for the day:

"Prayer penetrates doors we will neve enter.  Prayer breaks hearts that have been hardened by the most ruthless pursuit of position.  Prayer bridges the gap between the modest den of the meek and the highest places of government. where laws are made and bills are signed and officials wrestle against impossible odds."  Beth Moore

Scripture:

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.  He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. 1Timothy 2:1-5 (Message)

Prayer Points for Today:  (as we prayed through the ballot, let us pray through some of our newly elected).

President Obama/Vice President Biden
Senator Ted Cruz
Congressman Blake Farenthold
State Congresswoman Geanie Morrison
(Who else comes to mind as needing prayer)?

Prayer:
Father, teach us to pray for those in authority over us as Paul was inspired to instruct the people of his day.  You are a God who cares about everyone - powerful or powerless - the same.  Teach us your love to guide our prayers.  In Jesus name, Amen.
Memory Verse for the Week:

God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.  Psalm 47:8

Challenge:  Read Max Lucado's response to the election below.

Let others lose sleep over the election.  Let others grow bitter from party or petty rivalries.  Let others cast their hope with the people of the elephant or the donkey.  Not followers of Jesus.  We place our trust in the work of God.

How many kings has he seen come and go?  How many nations has he seen stand and fall?  He is above them all.  And he oversees them all.  So, while others get anxious, we don’t. Here is what we do:  we pray.
“First of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  (1 Tim.2:1-4 NIV).
It is time to take this job seriously.  Over the next hours and days ahead, turn your heart toward heaven and ask God to:

• Unite our country
• Strengthen us
• Appoint and anoint our next president

God’s promise is clear:
“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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  (2 Chron. 7:14 NIV).

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us this promise: “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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So, we pray to you. We turn from evil and look to you, our God. Please:
         Unite us
                 Strengthen us
                         Appoint and anoint our next president
In the name of Christ we pray,
Amen