Some of us are influencers, some of us are warriors, some of us are pray-ers, some of us are writers, and some of us are other categories or multiples of categories. I think of myself as a writer, with a little of the pray-er mixed in.
Like you, for some time I have been concerned about our country: the division, the hypocrisy, the corruption, the lawlessness, the increasing poverty and homelessness, the immorality, the “me, me, me, and mine” attitude so many of us have developed. As George Washington said in his farewell address (September 19, 1796):
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
Our issues in America have become so loud and the questions for fixing these issues so broad, we are overwhelmed. The failures show that the self-aggrandizing wisdom of most of the people offering solutions amounts to foolishness (I Corinthians 1:25, 3:19-20). All we need do is look at history, in every science and discipline, to see brilliance turned to catastrophic failure and valid solutions ignored or quashed. I am nonplussed by the series “Mysteries of the Abandoned” with its historical examples of ingenious ideas that were utter failures. Or reading stories of great business leaders who led their company to ruin, then were paid a fortune to leave. As my friend says, you need to “read, read, read from all perspectives and think for yourselves” to see the outcomes of past decisions for discernment to make future decisions.
Thinking as a writer about what can be done, I don’t have the wisdom to make wise suggestions. Knowing that my opinions often differ from influencers and warriors and pray-ers, other writers and categories of people—I’ve thought it better to keep quiet publicly. Yet, I’ve often spoken out in frustration and criticism with close friends.
In the last few days, I’ve read some verses that have given me a new perspective and I feel compelled to share some thoughts—hoping that they will be useful to the aforementioned groups who care about such things. I’m not going to include the verses, I will leave searching them out to you to read in your preferred translation (mine is the New American Standard Bible).
Pray for Governing Authorities
Jesus called us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and we are to pray for those with authority (I Timothy 2:1-6). Excuse me? I’m supposed to pray for those in power that I completely disagree with? What?? Even those I think are liars and corrupt and evil? Don’t we just work to vote them out or impeach them? Don’t we persuade others through pointing out the fallacies in their thinking (as opposed to ours) or ridiculing them when they disagree? Although to date, that doesn’t seem to have worked well for any political side. And our divide continues to grow… While the immorality and evil become even more pervasive…
So no one has authority to rule unless God allows it (Romans 13:1-7)? Then why is He allowing these crooks control? If I am understanding correctly—bad rulers (who God gave authority to) are a way of opening our eyes and chastising, correcting bad (immoral and sinful) behavior—the purpose being to call us back to Him. As evil permeates the world, it appears past time for examining our country and once again seeking God’s mercy, His favor, His guidance; re-examining His precepts and who He has called us to be as an individual, as a nation.
Do we rise up in arms? Do we call out to God to deliver us? In this time would God even fight for us (Exodus 14:13-14)? Or will He call us to do both—pray and standup for righteousness and for our country—perhaps like He called Joshua, David, Gideon?
I am not wise enough to know the answer. I just know it begins with crying to God in humble prayer (II Chronicles 7:13-15) to lead us out of this turmoil.
Praying for America
Yet, this has been too large a prayer for me, since I don’t officially fall under the pray-er category? Where do I even begin? I’m just someone perplexed and dissatisfied with the direction things are going. And I don’t even know what to pray? Then I found Daniel. Now Daniel knew how to pray for his people (Daniel 9:3-19). He confessed the wrongs they’d committed and prayed for the cessation of evil and for the people to return to God, for God’s mercy and God’s favor to return to His people.
If you, like me, find these times overwhelming, perhaps like me, you would find Daniel’s prayer a helpful guide in praying for America. Praying for America to return to a country built on a strong Christian/Judeo foundation—still believing in our Pledge of Allegiance, “…one Nation under God…”.[1]
A second quote from George Washington’s farewell address and maintaining morality through the foundation of religion:
“And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
[1] Addition of “under God” proposed to Congress by President Eisenhower, 1954. Retrieved March 30, 2022 at https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm
Nancy Ellen Dodd 