we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. (Daniel 9:5 NKJV)
Our presidential election is only days away, but our nation’s problems will not end on November 4th. In fact, they might even get worse. We might not even know the outcome of the election for days or even weeks.
Our hearts break to see our once flourishing country divided and filled with such hatred. We are still plagued with the Corona virus, and the economic impact of that disease has far-reaching effects.
Most of us are fervently praying for our election results and for our nation to heal, but I know I haven’t prayed for America the way Daniel prayed for his beloved homeland.
Daniel had been swept up as a teen when Babylon took Judah captive. He had grown up and served under many rulers in Babylonian captivity, but never once did Daniel forsake his God. Daniel prayed three times daily for his people with his windows open toward Jerusalem. Daniel reminds me of Job, such a godly man, as righteous as any human could possibly be.
Yet, observe how Daniel prayed. He bore the sins of his nation even though he wasn’t personally responsible. He confessed the sins of Judah as he stood in the gap for his people. He declared, “We have rebelled… We have departed from Your commandments.”
If you read Daniel chapter nine, you will continue reading the prayer of confession and repentance from a godly man on behalf of a nation who had turned their back on God. Daniel didn’t use the personal pronoun “they.” He included himself.
I don’t know about you, my friend, but I fall short of Daniel’s prayer. I don’t seek forgiveness as if I have behaved wickedly. They have brought calamity on our nation. They have passed laws allowing the murder of almost sixty-five million unborn children. They have legalized marijuana and homosexual unions.
But If we, the chosen of God, desire change, we must pray like Daniel prayed. We must seek forgiveness. The blood of unborn children is on our hands. God is lifting His hedge of protection on a nation that was founded on Christian beliefs. Because we have forgotten God. We must pray like Daniel prayed. Cast aside our pride and seek God on behalf of those who curse His name.
Daniel also prayed the Word of God back to God. As He read the words of the prophet Jeremiah, he knew God had said Judah would return home in seventy years. Sixty-seven years had already passed. In three years, King Cyrus sent Daniel’s people back home.
Daniel followed these instructions found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV:
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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Lord God, You are full of tender mercies and loving compassion. Please hear our cries. We are a sinful nation. We have murdered, and we are perverse. We have forsaken You. Please forgive us! In Your mercy, forgive us and heal the United States of America in the name of Jesus Christ. For Your glory, honor and praise. Thank You. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Daniel 9.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Let’s follow Daniel’s example as we pray for our nation.
RELATED RESOURCE
Incense Rising: 60 Days to Powerful Prayer is more than a devotional. It’s like a miniature Bible study. Learn more here!
Originally posted on October 23, 2020 @ 3:00 am
This was so good. I just for see so much controversy way past the election. Lots of finger pointing, accusations, threats, chaos, more riots etc. No matter who wins this election there will be a group of angry citizens because we are a country that is so divided right now. Things i see getting worse post election as the losing side will not be happy at all. Oh Lord Jesus we need you now more than ever!
Amen! A lot of people doing extra shopping tonight. I pray it doesn’t get as bad as some say it will. And yes, we need Jesus now more than ever.