Dear Friends in Christ:

The month of May in our country has been designated for the National Day of Prayer, usually held the first Thursday in May. Our duty as Christians to pray on behalf of our nation is so profoundly important that I would like to discuss this matter in this month’s letter.

There are many parallels between America and Israel that can be drawn from the Scriptures. Israel was a nation like no other. They were not to be governed by mere men like the nations surrounding them but they were to be subject to the leadership of Almighty God, and as such were destined to be His vehicle for proclaiming the message of His salvation throughout the world. Israel did enjoy a season of great success but then fell into destruction because of sin and apathy. But God in His great mercy always promised restoration to His people if they would return to serving Him.

Our wonderful nation of America has enjoyed and secured the grace of God by the faithfulness of godly men and women who have gone before us. But like ancient Israel we have become too entangled in selfish pursuits and too forgetful of our Heavenly Father. The United States is facing a critical and crucial time. There are many problems but thank God there is also an answer. The answer is prayer. God revealed to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14 what they should do in times of national crisis and danger. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

We have a great promise from the Lord that He is eager to restore and to revive the blessings that we need in this hour of history. Your prayers and mine can make a tremendous difference in the days ahead (James 5:16).

I believe that we are living in times of unprecedented opportunity for the body of Christ and we can play a role in shaping eternity with our commitment to pray. God’s promise was to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. But the condition is that His people (we are the ones who can make the difference because we are the righteousness of God in Christ) must humble themselves, pray, seek His face (presence), and turn from sin. We are responsible because we are His children. The church needs to take the lead in making things right in America.

I want to encourage you more than ever to make a concentrated effort in praying for God-fearing government officials, revival in our churches, and a great desire for the things of God to grow in our hearts, our children, and our land. Let’s not fall short of our God-given destiny. Let’s rise up in the power of Jesus Christ to move the mountains of ungodliness that we have allowed to exist in America. We’ll never know what we can do until we try. Let’s take God at His word and be vessels through which He can heal our land. Get ready, great things are about to happen!