Did you hear the response yesterday when the Democratic moderator at their convention asked for a vote as to whether they would reinstate God into the party platform? A significant part of the crowd voted with a rousing "YES!" However, a group that sounded just as large boomed a resounding "NO." As the cameras moved in on those voting negatively we saw people standing and waving their arms as they seemed to be defiantly saying, "We don't want God's name even mentioned in our policies."
Now to be honest, it should not be surprising when ungodly people act ungodly. What is more troubling is how many people were so overt about their disapproval of even recognizing God. How sad to think that in our country there are enough people who want to debate this issue. There have no doubt always been people in our culture who would disavow God's existence or importance. But today it appears to becoming more and more of the "in" thing. It's popular, progressive and cutting edge now.
That's one of many reasons why I hope we who love God and follow Christ will do more this election season than just utter a few "God bless the election" prayers. First of all, we need to vote, but we must also pray. Let me suggest ten things to have on your prayer list, things I hope we might consider starting to pray for soon, maybe even for a biblical forty days starting September 27th or so.
1. Pray for the election results to bring God glory.
2. Pray for the truth to be prominent and win out over falsehood.
3. Pray that whatever the results Christians will be energized to stand for Christ, remain compassionate and learn to trust God more deeply.
4. Pray for Christian leaders in government to stand strong and firm and to remain committed to leading like Jesus.
5. Pray that our public arena will continue to welcome the mention of God, freedom of religion and fair dialogue about the role of faith in our country.
6. Pray for a harvest of decisions for Christ and the election of more Christians and moral leaders to public office.
7. Pray for a reduction of our debt and a new commitment to wise spending and use of our resources.
8. Pray for the safety of our country from terrorism and an ongoing development of military protection and readiness.
9. Pray for the churches of America to remain focused on their mission to go into their communities and all the world with the Gospel and its message of compassion.
10. Pray for heart change towards God in the current administration and leadership of our country.
Add your own items but let's commit to pray together this year. It will probably matter more than we even think.
