“There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.”
A. T. Pierson (1837-1911)
Do you believe we need a nation-wide revival?
Are you praying for a nation-wide revival?
Good morning, Lord. Let there be a revival, and let it begin in my heart.
Daniel 9:4-5 (NIV)
Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.
Has our nation rebelled, turned away from God’s commands? To what extent have we gone along without objection?
Daniel set an example we can follow. Let us repent.
Good morning, Lord. Your Word says that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and it is true. We have sinned individually and corporately. I have done wrong, and so has my nation. Thank You for mercy and grace. Forgive our rebellion, open our minds to the truth of Your Word, guide us in paths of righteousness for the sake of Your name (Psalm 23:3).
“Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.”
Daniel C. Roberts, 1876
Good morning, Lord. Teach us as a nation — and teach me personally — to live by Your Word. May the Bible be our guidebook and Your wisdom our light. Let Your love shine through us, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Proverbs 14:34 (MSG)
God-devotion makes a country strong;
God-avoidance leaves people weak.
Devotion to God brings good, not harm … to individuals, communities, a nation.
Good morning, Lord. I want to be fully devoted to You — in my home, my work, my church, my community, my nation. So many people want to avoid any conversation about Christ and the Bible. Others take words of Scripture and twist them to support their own actions. Teach me to be faithful to You in thought, word and action.
Following up on the 4th of July celebration, this week we’ll explore our Biblical responsibilities toward our nation.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior …
First and foremost — before we complain, criticize or praise our leaders — let’s pray.
Good morning, Lord. Your Word tells me to pray for all those in authority. I am so quick to criticize, Lord, and so slow to pray — forgive me. Remind me to pray for their wisdom and safety. It’s not a matter of getting them to do what I want, it’s asking You to work through them, for their well-being and Your glory.
I need to practice what I preach and put Paul’s words into action.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (MSG)
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
Note to self: It’s training time!
Good morning, Lord. It’s easy to get comfy and decide to do it all some other time. Forgive me for putting off till another day what You call me to do today. A bit of rest is good, but I don’t want to get so comfortable that I become useless. Teach me to lace up my spiritual sneakers and get back on track. I want to move forward in step with Your plan, so help me, God.
“Run each day’s race with all your might, so that at the end you will receive the victory wreath from God. Keep on running even when you have had a fall. The victory wreath is won by him who does not stay down, but always gets up again, grasps the banner of faith and keeps on running in the assurance that Jesus is Victor.” Mother Basilea Schlink (1904-2001)
Good morning, Lord. I stumble in my spiritual walk almost daily, occasionally with a hard fall. Sometimes it hurts physically, other times it hurts only my ego. You are patient with my whining and grumbling, thank You. Grant me the physical and emotional strength to get up and get going, again and again, for Your name’s sake.
Accepting Christ isn’t a finish line, it’s the starting line. Scripture offers this advice for all us runners:
Hebrews 12:1-2 (MSG)
… Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it … When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item …
This long race to spiritual maturity doesn’t earn our way to heaven; it prepares us for heaven. And Jesus shows us how it’s done.
Good morning, Lord. Early in my journey with You, I was an eager runner. Now, I confess, I sometimes drag my feet, take a seat and make myself comfortable. You call me to step out in faith and move forward with confidence. Renew my strength, Lord, so I can run and not grow weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
