The most oft-quoted Scripture on praying for a nation is probably 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
It is good and right to pray for the leaders of our nation, for the governmental agencies, for the people in different arenas of power and influence. But I believe this verse has much to say to us about the prayer that will bring transformation.
“If my people, who are called by my name,…” If God’s people, those who believe in and trust in and follow Him—we are the key. Not the President and Congress, or Wall Street, or celebrities. We should pray for them—they have great influence. But God has challenged us, His children, to be the keys to healing and change.
“will humble themselves…” We must honor our God as most high, eternal, all powerful Creator. And we must bow before Him in complete humility. We must admit that, in ourselves, we can do nothing.
“and pray…” The work of God is done on our knees. Then we go find out what happened. Scripture tells us we have not because we ask not. God delights in our asking.
“and seek my face…” So often we seek what God will give us, His answers, His blessings—in this case that He will rescue and change our nation. But he invites us to seek Him. He is all we really need. In Him we will find answers and blessings and fellowship and love and grace and mercy and strength.
“and turn from their wicked way…” We have to acknowledge our sin, our failure to live in holiness and purity and the power of God’s Spirit. We—individually and as His Body–must confess that we have gone our own way. Our Lord pleads for us to turn from our wicked way and return to His perfect way.
And what will our God do?
“I will hear from heaven…” He is listening. He is waiting. When we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, He will surely hear our cries.
“and I will forgive their sin…” Oh, Lord, thank You for Your great mercy. What a price Jesus paid that we might be forgiven! He will wash us clean as individuals and will forgive our corporate sin.
“and will heal their land.” This is where we started—to pray for our nation. We need healing and transforming. And it begins with us—His children. When we meet His requirements, He will do what we are asking for our land.
How hopeful and yet how frightening! We hold the key. May we fall on our faces before our God and pray!
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I think more than ever before, the word “wicked” stood out to me. Lately I’ve been shrugging things off with “that’s politics” and a “I can’t do anything about it” attitude. Some of the things that are happening feel like they are sweeping over us with consequences for generations to come. There are news reports about infidelity and corruption that just rolls off my back like another day of doing business.
But it’s “wicked” — just plain “wicked.” It is not of God; that’s plain and simple to see. And as God’s people, we get used to it, accept it, and don’t want to appear “judgmental.’ And that “wickedness” begins to cover us and our lives.
I’m always impressed with how prophets of old kept separate from the wickedness of the bad kings. It must have been a horrible struggle to not loose hope, generation after generation.
I have to continue to name it what it is, “wicked.” If I don’t, then it becomes a part of my life and I have no defense. Lord, bring us all to our knees. Show us what “wickedness” is — both in our nation and in our own lives. Only in identification of wickedness can we see the contrast of your true goodness. .
Strong, true observations, Maggie. Makes me mad. At myself as well as others.
I couldn’t agree more! We have been praying for Shetland in response to Jean Darnells prophecy about revival coming from the North. God is calling ordinary men and women to prayer to change our nation, our workplaces, neighbourhoods and families.
Repentance is the key! We all need to be prepared to come down from our heights and acknowledge we need Him!
Bless You
Break it down, Judy! Break it down! There is a huge difference when we look at our responsibilites to lead and speak true to live the gospel, don’t just talk about it. Complacency in the church is a huge problem to our nation’s problems. Many Christians are dormant or fighting the war on the wrong battle field.
So true, Tasha! We are often fighting wrong battles.
I so agree that it begins with us individuals, the people! Until We (I) truly repent & walk in HIS ways of truth & LOVE, there will be no transformation.
This verse often comes across as harsh & condemning. I say we, believers, accept the conviction, then move on. Move on to Rom. 8:1 and get some traction in His love. We can be motivated by that! Reach out and watch the transformation begin.