RAC - Pastor's Messages - Archives - The Importance Of Praying For America

2 Chronicles 7:14

"……..if my people shall pray………….."

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans. President Ronald Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the NDP.

In America we have many, many freedoms. We have the freedom to vote, freedom to assemble, freedom to speak out no matter how harsh as well as many other freedoms. Among the many freedoms is our freedom to pray. May God help us that we may not only continue to have that freedom but more importantly that we might exercise that freedom.

I know you have heard many messages from this pastor on the matter of prayer. I do not want this to just be another message on prayer but I want to focus today on "The Importance of Praying For America."

First of all: Why America? Why not the many other strategic countries in our world? I sincerely believe we need to pray for the other strategic countries in our world HOWEVER without any exception we need to pray first and foremost for America because:
1)	America is where we live.
2)	As the leading nation of the world with the number one economy as the wealthiest nation in the world it is imperative that America continues to lead the world in right moral and humanitarian direction.
3)	As the number one national protector of Israel, God's chosen people, it is likewise consequential that America continues to bless Israel. I believe it is the "secret to America's success".
4)	America continues to lead the world in missionary endeavors of reaching every nation with the gospel and fulfilling not only the great commission but fulfilling the prophetic mandate of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24 that "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
5)	Finally, prophetically in this end-time hour I believe America has been strategically placed by God and to be used by God in the cause of right and is therefore without question desperately in need of prayer.

Henry Blackaby, the 2006 National Day of Prayer Chairman stated, "Perhaps never before has there been a greater need for prayer in our nation than right now! And our prayer must be of greater fervency than ever before. While we have been "praying" in recent years, the spiritual condition of our nation, our churches, and our families has been in decline. Great uncertainties seem to be crying out for real answers. Therefore, let us pray ardently until God responds and sends a mighty revival to us and our land."

What I am addressing today is not:
• How to Pray
• When To Pray
• Why Pray
• What to Pray
• Where To Pray

What I am addressing today is:

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYING FOR AMERICA!

America today is in moral and spiritual chaos. Never before in our 230 year history have we been as besieged by influences from within that seek to destroy the faith and fabric of our society. As powerful as the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1945 and five years ago in 2001 the attack on America via the Twin Towers and Pentagon bombings we are eye witnesses to the daily sabotage of the spiritual foundation that this nation came into being because of.

Daily, spiritual and secular leaders in church, government and business are subtly as well as openly attacked with the result being the further weakening of faith and confidence in the leadership and ultimately our nation. The demise of America is the goal of terroristic cultures and societies. When we realize the serious nature of what is taking place in America today it should not be difficult for us to understand the importance of praying for America.

Everything that serious law abiding patriotic Americans hold dear is being assailed today from every direction. Law abiding patriotic Americans hold dear:
• the sacredness of life
• the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman
• protection of our children and youth from sexual predators
• the ability to protect our homes and families
• the basic right of every American to pursue life, liberty and happiness

When we understand that these basic rights are being undermined in our society the only alternative that spiritual like-minded citizens have is to call upon the God of eternity to make a difference and to assist in repelling the onslaught of decadence that seeks to destroy our culture and society.

IF MY PEOPLE PRAY……………………

Not when
Not how
Not what
Not where
Not why

But: I F…………..I F! That is the question.

If not now ……………………When

If not now…………………….Where

If not now…………………….What (will it take)

How many more surveys do we need about the condition of our nation?
How many more statistics do we need about the maladies that afflict us?
How many more wars do we need to determine what we should do?

Because America is who she is and represents the moral stability of the world it puts us squarely in the cross-hairs of the enemy of this world, the deceiver of mankind, and the father of all liars. Because we understand this unique relationship with infamy we must, are you listening, we must without any question, we must unequivocally without any hesitancy pray for America.

SO: WHAT SHALL WE PRAY?

1)	Pray for our governmental leaders and first and foremost among which should be our President
2)	Pray for the moral and spiritual integrity of our nation at every level:
	A.	Churches and synagogues
	B.	Schools and Universities
	C.	Government at all levels: national, state and local
	D.	Business and Industry
	E.	Military
3)	Pray for our military men and women in uniform around the globe especially:
	A.	Those of the household of faith
	B.	Those who are in harms way
4)	Pray for a national spiritual awakening……..A National Revival if you please!
IF MY PEOPLE WILL PRAY…………….!
5)	Pray for current national issues and events
6)	Pray for our economy
7)	Pray for moral issues
8)	Pray for our families
9)	Pray for personal spiritual growth
10)	Pray for the spiritual warfare against the enemy

These ten(10) things to pray for we have made an effort to help you know how to pray by providing a guideline of things to pray for in each of these areas.

CONCLUSION:

Press Release from Colorado Springs, CO

As American troops fight for democracy and freedom around the globe and battle the war on terror, citizens of the United States are preparing to celebrate their freedom to gather, worship and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 4, the 55th annual National Day of Prayer, by flocking to observances held in public venues to pray for the nation, governmental leaders, media, churches, families and schools.

This year's theme is "America, Honor God" and is based on 1 Samuel 2:30 NIV -

"Those who honor me, I will honor" National Day of Prayer Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder and chairman Dr. James Dobson, said "at a time when so many principles found in Scripture have been rejected by society, it's all the more vital that God's people stand firmly in defense of the precepts He's laid out in His Word. As we wage this cultural battle, however, none of our efforts are assured success without consistent, fervent prayer for God's intervention."

"The National Day of Prayer provides each of us with a powerful opportunity to humble ourselves before the Almighty and to seek the 'redeeming and preserving grace' Abraham Lincoln so eloquently spoke! In asking God to forgive our collective rebellion against Him. We can also pray for our schools, the media and especially our governmental leaders, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom, for the challenges they face on a daily basis. How encouraging to know that our loving heavenly Father listens and responds to our personal and corporate petitions, enabling us to 'receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.'"