Today Is The National Day of Prayer

Josh the Baptist says:

As adopted heirs into the bloodline of Abraham, are the promises now void?

Shaun Sells says:

I don’t use the Chronicles passage, but I use Jeremiah 18:7-10:

“At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it.”
Jeremiah 18:7-10 (NASB)

Xenia says:

Well! Here’s what today *really* is: It’s Great and Holy Thursday, that’s what it is.

Pascha (Easter) this Sunday.

Gary says:

If My people (which are called by My Name) will humble themselves and stop judging My other people (which are also called by My Name) maybe I will heal them too. Maybe

Steve Wright says:

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”
————————————————————–
I believe this verse, especially given the genre of the book in which it is found, has a universal application.

Inglourious basterd says:

What is the “church”? I thought it was Calvary Chapel.

PP Vet says:

Promises made to national Israel embody principles.

Those principles could apply to any country.

Do you really think that if the Christians in (for example) Taiwan seek God, it will not affect the overall health of the country?

I understand (a little) the frustration with a theologically naive Israelization of the United States or any country.

But what is the motto here: Prayer Doesn’t Change Things? How stupid is that.

( |o )====::: says:

IB/Alex,
Simplicity is the best path, the path to personal peace.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

( |o )====::: says:

PP Vet,
More people praying = then, and only then, shall God hear, act, heal?

These statements are frustrating because of how they misrepresent God, making God out to be some odd disconnected deity.

The revolutionary thing about Jesus was that He forever made God intimate, immediate, The Companion. The unique thing about the gospel is the very presence of The Living God, and “Ichabod” is forever impossible

Kevin H says:

I agree with PP Vet @22 and Josh @23. I believe there are principles in play that if we were to follow would only serve to benefit the overall health of our country.

Where I think we get in trouble is when the II Chronicles verse is spoken as a promise to America or is at least heavily implied as so. Far too often is this verse (along with other verses which speak of specific judgments on Israel) used as a political tool.

But I think we also have to be careful not to overreact to the political mis-use of some and reject something like the National Day of Prayer totally out of hand. There are many who are earnestly praying to the Lord for a true spiritual revival and renewal of the hearts of those who make up this country. Let us not reject them and even consider joining them.

Crowned1 says:

“I am a proud American citizen and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, but I don’t for a minute think this nation is somehow uniquely ‘blessed of God.’”

^^this

Bob says:

“I don’t see a nation in New Testament theology.”

I disagree. Why? Because the NT doesn’t stand alone annulling the OT words and accounts. Any nation of people can “repent” and turn to God. Followers of the Messiah Jesus are called His body and yet they are still made up of people groups (nations) from all over the world.

Yes metaphorically the people making up the “body” are a “royal priesthood…” but that is also a quote from the OT referring to Israel.

The Chronicles quote, “if my people…,” is being spoken to Israel but as far as application goes it can apply to any who repent and turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the One who redeemed us through Jesus.

I believe as the USA becomes more secular and turns to more idols (yes being a pop star is an idol) for its sustenance it will pay the consequences of its actions. What does that mean and will God rain “fire” down on the USA? I don’t know, but I do know this, sexual impurity (I believe Paul talked about this) has brought a seemingly never ending plague of disease, death and destruction of people’s lives. But repenting and making a change in OUR behavior isn’t really what many of us really pray about, is it?

God thank you for the people who organize and have a passion for this day. Forgive me and bless You for making a way for me to come to You!

Michael, Thank you for this thread and remembering this day!

filbertz says:

Bob,
I view the Old Testament as the diving board and the Church the swimming pool.

lastonein’sapartypooperfil

filbertz says:

Bob, you are correct that “nations” appear in the NT. That isn’t what I meant. God isn’t dealing with A nation like He did in the OT, Israel, nor has he selected folks to populate the Church by their national citizenship; instead, by individual salvation. No one will be in heaven primarily because of their American citizenship…perhaps despite it… 😉

Josh the Baptist says:

Yes, I pray for all nations, but I want my kids to be particularly safe. I think God understands.

gary says:

“For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God” is not license to judge others, silly. It means God judges. Or you could begin by judging yourself. How about this one- Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

filbertz says:

If I ever open a tavern, I’ll call it “Mockers” 😉

Gary says:

That would be a good name, filbertz

Xenia says:

Pray for everyone and for everything. Pray with faith and doubt not.

PP Vet says:

G, I think I hear you about some concepts of prayer misrepresenting God.

But I like to know what my kids want. When they really want something, they succeed at it.

So perhaps we could interpret some of these calls to prayer as us being asked, What do you want?

I heard Heidi Baker say, You need to want something.

Want more. Want a changed life. Want abundance and peace and life and health, for yourself and the people you know. And tell Him what you want. That is called prayer.

( |o )====::: says:

Candidly I really struggle with this whole concept of “prayer”. God is omniscient, therefore we would be telling Someone something He already knows, ya know?

Maybe praying, “Help me see others with fresh eyes of Your love, help me be willing to sacrifice my ego for the sake of the joy of building up someone else, and counting on You, Father, to give me confidence for the complexities that often overwhelm me. Help me through today while I wait to hear back on that pending job opportunity, that operation that needs a good outcome, the unanswered phone calls, my own self perpetuating loneliness brought on by my stinkin’ thinkin’…”

We pray prayers and sing songs which often belie the realities of what God has revealed about Himself, like “God, come meet us here…” How can Someone Who is omnipresent come to somewhere He already is?

Guess I gotta agree with the idea that we’re always gonna be flawed and sill short sighted humans who forget our re-birthright of The Kingdom, and that we’re already equipped and empowered with all we need to redeem the world so we need to stop making excuses and get off our butts and make the world a better place, at least that’s what I think I’m supposed to do.

Derek Thornton says:

Xenia’s #46. Spot on.

London says:

I think some if you who say you won’t participate in the National Day of Prayer just don’t like to be told what to do,when to do it and who to do it with.

A drop of water in the ocean says:

Christian one-linners

Don’t let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
Until you try to sit in their pews.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Many folks want to serve God,
But only as advisers.

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It is easier to preach ten sermons
Than it is to live one.

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The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose,
But mosquitoes come close.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
When you get to your wit’s end,
You’ll find God lives there.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
People are funny; they want the front of the bus,
Middle of the road,
And back of the church.

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Opportunity may knock once,
But temptation bangs on the front door forever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Quit griping about your church;
If it was perfect, you couldn’t belong.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If a church wants a better pastor,
It only needs to pray for the one it has.

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We’re called to be witnesses, not lawyers or Judges.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God Himself doesn’t propose to judge a man until
he is dead. So why should you?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some minds are like concrete
Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Peace starts with a smile.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
I don’t know why some people change churches;
What difference does it make which one you stay home from?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Be ye fishers of men. You catch ’em – He’ll clean ’em.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Stop, Drop, and Roll won’t work in Hell.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don’t put a question mark where God put a period.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don’t wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Forbidden fruits create many jams.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God grades on the cross, not the curve.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God loves everyone,
But probably prefers ‘fruits of the spirit’ over ‘religious nuts!’

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage..

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
He who angers you, controls you!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Prayer:
Don’t give God instructions, just report for duty!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The Will of God never takes you to where the
Grace of God will not protect you.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We don’t change the message,
The message changes us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
You can tell how big a person is
By what it takes to discourage him/her.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

brian says:

There were times in my life I loved the National Day of Prayer, first because I might sneak in in some sleazy way a selfish prayer for myself with a community. I know that is utterly disgusting at best but I admit I went to these prayer services to receive community prayer. After these many years I cant state I will never ever cross that abominable line ever. I liked being in the community, granted I hid in the back and I was extremely careful what I asked prayer for but I was among fellow people (granted this is pathetic and vile, no human should ever need human contact). But I liked the singing and comradely even though it was based on very shallow rhetoric. Its better then no community, another sin I need to repent of.

There was one National Day of Prayer I remember really well, a group of very nice people surrounded me and laid hands on me, something that scared me because it could be possible I was in some way hidden to me manipulating the group for some nefarious satanic reason. They prayed for me, I “felt” (something I often try to repent of). I remember leaving that service crying on the way home because I was absolutely convinced I had manipulated these fine people for some evil reason. Now this is pathetic when I first became a christian I would go forward or fill out prayer requests because I thought I can connect with God with a group of fellow believers to touch the heart of God. Now that I understand that such twaddle are totally and always evil and no true christian would ever cross the “need” help line. I no longer do that, and wont to my dying day. That got through real clear. I would like but no, one has to pay to high a price.

So a student mentioned the National Day of Prayer she said its time to pray for each other and asked me several times, Being the satanic worshiper I am I said nothing, because I would rather burn out my eye balls with a soldering iron then damage the faith of any person especially one of those I work with. I eventually, through great frustration, you are right this is the national day of prayer, and each day should be a national day of prayer. It seem to give her some peace. I usually do not do that but she was really seeking some response. I know my response lacked doctrinal clarity and I am a pawn of Satan because of it. I get that, check, I am a pawn of Satan. Ok lets move on.

In one of my rather frantic prayer sessions where I was praying God would take me out so I knew He was there, I prayed Satan would do the same, just to know for that second between this life and eternity they were there. ***crickets chirping ** and that was it. I will be honest this did not damage my faith at all, of course this confirms my depravity because I cant even get my eternal roll right. I mean God ordained my eternal destruction from before day one. I got that one loud and clear. I will admit I had a hard time with that same destruction being applied to my family, I admit I did not witness to them as effectively as possible with as much power as i should have. Their eternal loss is on my soul. I find that hard to carry but it is my fault. I get that and it echoes in my ears. I also get the fact that it echoes in my ears that it is emotional which adds to my evil.

I still go to public prayer events I pray, earnestly and when offered try to help. I can say I no longer go forward or even in my “soul” ( if I have one) try to offer up prayer. It is just to tiring and it has way to many strings attached and way to man gotcha moments. I remember the first time I heard the Gospel of Christ, the freedom, the hope, the love. I can say after some 30 years in the industry I have repented of such nonsense and I do my best to harden my heart against such emotional twaddle.

answeringquestion says:

let me respond to the question. I am hiding a bit of my identity because this is rather personal but I hope will be helpful. let me try to explain a preacher I mention here quite abit was giving his testimony, out of respect I wont say who it is because I respect he was trying to share his world view and belief. His father and him were working together and his father had a massive heart attack and fell dead in his arms. He then went into a tirade about how some said he was a poor kid and what happened was traumatic and he drank some after this event. This evangelist went on to say that he was not a victim basically he was using his father’s death to sin and on and on. That is insane, pure and simple. If your father drops dead in front of you in hurts you and you go crazy. That was my point, in my experience it was often spoken that the victim card was played to excuse our sin.

An example and this is one of many, my sister and her son were beaten really bad by an abusive boy friend, she was in the hospital and he was hurt. I heard about it and I became angry and frustrated, having seen, and defended my sister several times when her boyfriends would try to slap the taste out of her mouth. I was living in a christian house when I got the call and my roommate who is a really good guy. He offered about 5 seconds of sympathy, which is far more then should ever be offered, then said “You really enjoy this dont you?”. That scare still remains, I must be a real scum to even use this event to gain some type of street cred. I stayed with my sister to the day she died, I even felt guilty about that. You see our American religion makes us crazy. You asked about sarcasm, in a way at times but it comes from real hurt, but not my hurt I could care less, I see so many who are hurt far worse.

I am a lost sinner who often spends hours on my face literal and figurative to try to plead with God. As for being believable, at times but some of my memories are muddled and filtered through decades of frustration, that does not give a clear view of every event so I couch my experiences in a way that does not cast aspersions on other specific folks but it is still not the best way to do this.

( |o )====::: says:

To inspire thankfulness
http://i.imgur.com/hRJ0V5c.jpg

Gary says:

( lo )====:::,
wimp.com has a lot of great videos like the pic you posted. Most of their videos are interesting.

Captain Kevin says:

London @#54, 🙂

Captain Kevin says:

brian, I love you.

Captain Kevin says:

MLD, what does that have anything to do with what London said?