A Prayer for Our Nation (adapted from Daniel 9)

"I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition." Daniel 9:2, 3

Daniel offered this prayer in recognition that his people were scattered and judged because of disobedience. He knew the only resolution was God's mercy. We face similar trials and judgments today in our country. Will we remain stubborn? Or, will we humble ourselves and let God restore us?

Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your pastors and teachers, who spoke in your name to our political leaders, our ancestors, and to all the people of this country.
Lord, you are righteous, but today we are covered with shame—because of our unfaithfulness to you. Even so, You Lord, our God, are merciful and forgiving. Our entire nation has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses have been poured out on us. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us chaos and violence. Still, we have not sought your favor by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 
Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong.  Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made your church and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from our country and your church.
Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate people. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the nation and church that has faithfully served you in the past. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.  Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your church and your people bear your Name.”

 While he was still praying, the Angel Gabriel came to him and said "As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you". God's response began in real time! As believers, let's humble ourselves and pray...as Daniel did. Perhaps God, in His mercy, will answer as quickly.

Live boldly out there today...

When the Court is Seated

"The court was seated and the books were opened" Daniel 7:10

The seventh chapter of Daniel is filled with chaos and destruction. It is an account of visions Daniel received in connection with the unfolding of human history. 

What he saw as he slept in his bed terrified him—Then he wrote out his dream: 

“In my dream that night I saw the four winds of heaven whipping up a great storm on the sea. Four huge animals, each different from the others, ascended out of the sea. The first animal looked like a lion, but it had the wings of an eagle. While I watched, its wings were pulled off. It was then pulled erect so that it was standing on two feet like a man. Then a human heart was placed in it". 

“Then I saw a second animal that looked like a bear. It lurched from side to side, holding three ribs in its jaws. It was told, ‘Attack! Devour! Fill your belly!’ 

“Next I saw another animal. This one looked like a panther. It had four birdlike wings on its back. This animal had four heads and was made to rule". 

“After that, a fourth animal appeared in my dream. This one was a grisly horror—hideous. It had huge iron teeth. It crunched and swallowed its victims. Anything left over, it trampled into the ground. It was different from the other animals—this one was a real monster". 

Then...an amazing thing happened. Daniel says “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the "Ancient of Days" took his seat...Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. 

The books contained God's sovereign intent for human history. Daniel says “I saw a human form, a son of man, arriving in a whirl of clouds. He came to The "Ancient of Days" and was presented to him. He was given power to rule...His kingly rule would never be replaced. 

We can't let the present turmoil discourage us. God’s holy people will be persecuted for a time but when the court comes to order, rule and authority and the glory of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to you and I. Our royal rule will last forever. The "Ancient of Days" has determined it. 

How will this improve anything? It will because at that time God will place a new heart in every one of us...a heart that passionately follows Him. We will faithfully and earnestly apply God's desires in all decisions. 

This is exciting! We may want to get a head start and begin practicing now. 

Live boldly out there today...