When Current Events Weigh On You … Pray
In these volatile times, I find myself wondering how to manage my fear, anger and sadness over the America my children and grandchildren will inherit. With wars raging and unrest spreading across the globe, it’s hard not to feel as though we may be on the brink of another world war.
Rather than succumbing to despair and resentment about the state of our country (and the world), I pray. I know many of you are doing the same.
Praying focuses me and directs my heart, thoughts and emotions. It calms my days and nights. How could I continue if I didn’t talk to God about all that concerns me? And there is much that concerns me.
If we love our country, we must pray for those who lead it. God’s Word doesn’t tell us to pray only for the leaders we like, but to pray for all in high positions (1 Timothy 2:2). If you don’t know what to pray, ask God to show you how to intercede for our national, local and spiritual leaders, as well as our law enforcement officers.
In light of the chaos and discord ravaging our world, we also need to pray for those who are living in war-torn nations and for those who are simply clawing to survive.
It’s difficult to live and work in a hostile world, which is why we as Christ-followers must live and love differently. Praying can help us grow in our love for those with whom we disagree and pave the way toward transforming our communities – and our world. We can ask God to fulfill His purposes for the United States of America in such a way that other nations will also be blessed.
When we pray, we honor our Creator. Praying helps us mature in our faith. Our confidence grows as we see there is absolutely nothing too difficult for Almighty God – even in these unpredictable times.
This year’s National Day of Prayer theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.” This year’s Bible verse is 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB):
Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
Current events weigh heavily on all of us. Thankfully, God is powerful, compassionate, merciful – and fully in control. Praying for each other and for all leaders around the globe is a powerful way to slow down the escalation. The more we pray, the better we (and future) generations can face whatever the future holds.
Today, I’m asking God to help us pray with even greater fervor, with such expectancy that we’re compelled to declare God’s glory in America and among the nations.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
Although every generation since Christ rose from the grave may have felt that Jesus would return before they tasted natural death, and all of those generations may too have felt great war was at hand, we join those sentiments when we pray as they did, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth – just as it’s done in heaven…”
It may feel like prayer is all we have, but prayer is all we need. As Christians, when we pray, it’s a two way conversation, unlike any other religion can claim. Within our prayers we can find comfort, joy as well as correction and instruction.
God may well lead us to put hands and feet to our prayers, He’s knows we’re more able than we think.
But yes, Sherry, prayer is essential right now, for America at large and for us as individuals.
Thank you for all the encouragement you share.
Sending you my love and blessings, Helen!
Hello, Helen! Thank you for your pact-filled comment. Well said.
When we pray, we honor our Creator. Praying helps us mature in our faith. Our confidence grows as we see there is absolutely nothing too difficult for Almighty God – even in these unpredictable times.
I’m so glad our God is great among the nations and we should declare His Glory!“For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place, incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts.” Malachi 1:11. “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8. Spread the Gospel to all nations; pray for our missionaries around the world and the leaders of every nation that their hearts will be softened and ripe for the harvest. Now is the day of salvation! “Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” Revelation 14:6. Thanks Sheryl! ️
Hallelujah! POWERFUL comment, Kim. We serve a righteous, POWERFUL, gracious God!! May ALL nations declare His glory!!
Thank you for another inspiring message.
Praise the Lord that He is in control.
I’ve made it a priority to pray and hum hymns to keep me grounded in His Word.
Great priority, Sandra! Especially now.
I too praise our powerful, compassionate, merciful, sovereign God is in control!
Thank you, as always, for stopping by, Sandra.