I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. (I Timothy 2:1-3)
A few committed citizens gathered in the East St. Louis City Hall Rotunda, even though it was rainy and cool. They came to participate in the 66th Annual National Day of Prayer. With a sense of duty and honor, pastors, ministry leaders, and laymen prayed for seven areas of cultural influence. These areas were: government, media and arts, business, education, the church, the family, and the military. Even though the National Day of Prayer is over, I encourage you to include these seven areas in your daily prayer.
Government
Pray for our government because it regulates the other six areas. As of this writing, women, minorities, seniors, the disabled, and the poor are not adequately represented at the tables of decision.
Media and the Arts
Media is mass communications through broadcasting, printed material, and the internet. Homeland Security Adviser, Tom Bossert, announced today that America’s cyber-security is at risk, including information in the cloud. Pray that our government and we citizens will not be defenseless before cyber-bullies, radicalization by extremist groups, and interference by foreign nations into our political system.
The Arts include paintings, music, literature and dance. Pray that these creative expressions will be used to heal the nation and not further corrode Christian values.
Business, Education, Church, the Family, and Military
Pray that big business will leave room for the entrepreneur and the small business owners to not just survive, but thrive. Pray that education would be equal for all. Pray that the new rules passed by the government this week concerning the church and politics will not restrict the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the full meaning of salvation. Pray that the weapons formed against the health and wellness of the family unit will not prosper. Pray for our men and women in the military who are learning advanced war strategies using camouflage technology, heat-detecting night vision, drones, nuclear missiles, and mortars. Pray for our government leaders who appear eager to engage in war.
Talk to Me
When we left City Hall there was no apparent change to the naked eye and there was no announcement on CNN that changes had taken place in the seven cultural areas that we prayed for. But something important had happened. God was pleased. It was good and acceptable in the sight of God that we prayed for those in authority.
You see, I believe that God hears us when we pray and will move on behalf of His children. I have faith that we will see positive changes, if we don’t faint. Tell me your thoughts on prayer. Do you believe the prayers of Christians are important to the welfare of our nation?