The Arkansas Traveler

PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

2 Chronicles 7:11-22

INTRO: In dedicating the newly built temple, Solomon prayed for God to hear the prayers made from the temple. This passage is God's answer. It was a promise to answer prayers when the people called out in time of need. Let's consider:

MOTIVATIONS TO PRAYER

   The condition of our nation: economic struggles, terrorist threats, and the breakdown of families, to name a few.

   Biblical warnings – As a nation, we have rebelled against God and refused His standards.

THE PRINCIPLES OF GOD DO NOT CHANGE

   Though written to Israel, the principle here applies to God's people of any age.

   If God allowed adversity to come to Israel – His chosen people, why would He spare the United States?

THE PRAYER THAT GOD PROMISES TO HEAR

   "If My people": Israel, the church, God's children

            We have the unique privilege of calling on God.

   "Humble themselves": We must depend wholly on God.

   "And pray": We must pray for all the people of our nation. Not just our family or our church. Pray for revival, marriages, godly living, and honest, capable leaders.

   "Turn from their wicked ways": We must confess our sins and turn from them. Not just the big ones! Any disobedience must be confessed. Note that this is a result of prayer and turning to Him, not a first step!

GOD PROMISES TO HEAR AND ANSWER

   The Lord will hear our prayer.

   He will forgive our sins. (I John 1:9)

   He will heal our land.

     We are called to go to God for the solution of our national problems. Man does not have the answer. God does!

CONCLUSION: We must go to God in behalf of our nation. Ask Him to send another Great Awakening to our land. Claim His promise of healing.

===============

Outline adapted from Charles Stanley

Presented at Greenville Southern Baptist Church, July 5, 2009