Pray for the President
Although our currency bears the inscription: "In God we trust", headlines in recent years have seemed to indicate the United States was turning away from God. It seemed there was a corporate apology for mentioning the Sustainer of the Universe, or His Son Who came to give His life for us. Some in our country seemed embarrassed that our Legislatures were opened in prayer, or that Scripture was inscribed in stone on the walls of the Supreme Court. Suit was brought to ban prayer in school and displays of the Ten Commandments or the Nativity. Those whose forefathers acknowledged God as their Creator and looked to Him to guide the young nation, now seemed to want to hide Him away in inconspicuous places.
Then came September 11, 2001, and suddenly people started looking to God. There certainly is a witness without and within, and in times of trouble people naturally turn to God. Call it "foxhole Christianity" or call it "revival", wise men turn to God in time of need. In these perilous days, we need to get on our knees and cry out to God. We need to examine our lives and cry out in contrite tones for pardon and mercy.
2 Chronicles 7:14 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 will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
We also would do well to heed the Bible admonition to " ... pray for all that are in authority ... ". It is staggering to think that the weight of our nation could fall on any one man. Just as President Truman had a sign on his desk stating: "The buck stops here", our current President is being looked to for answers and national leadership. In times of plenty, it is a privilege for a President to kiss babies and deal with surplus finances. In times of peril, this same man is looked to for solutions. How would you feel if tomorrow morning millions of people were on your doorstep waiting for you to provide a solution for economic downturn and an antidote to international terrorism? Many in our country are realizing that the answers we need do not lie in any earthly leader. We truly need God's hand of guidance, blessing and protection. Our President and his wife are expected to carry a heavy burden, and are certainly worthy of our prayers. How can we not pray for them at a time like this?
1
Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be
made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead
a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak
the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in
faith and verity.
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy
hands, without wrath and doubting.
I was challenged and encouraged to hear that God's people are taking up the Biblical mandate to pray daily for President George W. Bush. One organization has arisen with a goal of gathering 2.8 million names of people who will do this. Perhaps you would like to add your name to this list. Others have published suggestions for how to pray for the President. Detailed suggestions have even been given for children to pray.
I will endeavor to obey the Word of God and pray for the President. Will you?
