Today, May 7, 2020, is America’s National Day of Prayer. There are many observances containing music, proclamations, messages and prayers that can be accessed on-line. In some places it is possible to attend in person, observing the necessary safety practices. I “attended” our county’s National Day of Prayer service on-line at noon today. The local pastor who spoke of the difficulties of these days, admitted that he does not know where the COVID-19 virus came from, but that he and his wife both had it. He testified that God was with him even through his days in ICU. I have known that same presence of God in all of my own difficulties.
In my quiet time with God this morning, I turned to Romans 8. It’s one of my favorite chapters of the entire Bible, and it is where I left off when I read Romans 1-7 for the Belmont County Public Bible Reading on Facebook yesterday. At the end of my reading, I encouraged anyone listening to go on to read Romans 8 that begins:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
I was reminded and encouraged as I read Romans 8 this morning that both Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us in prayer. See, sometimes we don’t know exactly what to say or how to express our cares to God. At times like these, we can humble ourselves, be still, and know that he hears our hearts. We can confess our sins and know that when we do so, our sins are forgiven and we are cleansed from all unrighteousness!
Each year as the National Day of Prayer is held, there are particular arenas of life that are brought before God for his forgiveness, blessing, and guidance. Here is the prayer guideline that I found on the official website.
HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA – BY PRAYING INTO SEVEN CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION
GOVERNMENT
Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.
(I Kings 3:28; I Timothy
2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3;
Romans 13:1-2)
Federal Government
Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices
State Government
Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders
Local Government
Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials
MILITARY
“He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them…and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles…’” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)
Courage and dependence on God (Psalm 91)
Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)
Divine protection from the enemy (Romans 5:1-5)
Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)
Confidence and vision to persist in the face of negative publicity (Psalm 18:31-39)
Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)
Chaplains who are divinely appointed to deliver hope and spiritual strength (Proverbs 4:11)
MEDIA
“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
The decision makers within the media to realize they can make a profit by producing family-friendly projects (Proverbs 8:10-11)
Christians in media to find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public (Proverbs 2:1-15)
Celebrities to be provided with repeated opportunities to hear and receive salvation (Proverbs 8:35)
BUSINESS
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working…” (Exodus 31:3-4)
Integrity among Christian workers so that they win the right to be heard (I Chronicles 29:17)
Impartation of ideas and resources to open principled businesses, especially in areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15)
Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers (Philippians 2:3)
EDUCATION
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3-6)
A return to truth and Judeo-Christian ethics (Psalm 1:1-2)
A safe atmosphere conductive to learning
Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)
Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)
CHURCH
“So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)
The church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)
Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)
A return to the absolutes of God’s Word (Psalm 1:1-3)
Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)
A holy fear of the Lord released in the heart of God’s people (Proverbs 9:10)
FAMILY
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)
Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)
The re-establishment of relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)
A return to family values that serve the nation as a whole (Job 22:21-22)
A return to the biblical mandate to train their children at home in the fear of the Lord and not leave the responsibility to others (Proverbs 22:6)