There is never a time when we don't need prayer. Sorry for the double negative, but it's true. We always need to lift up our burdens and those of our families, church, community, nation and world to God. Prayer unleashes God's power. Prayer makes a difference. Jesus prayed, so we pray.
Thursday, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer, a moment to ask for God's blessing and guidance on our nation and on those who lead and influence it. There is never a wrong time to pray, and this is most certainly a right time for prayer. Our economy is struggling to regain solid footing. The federal government is expanding to address financial and social needs. Cultural battles rage over same-sex marriage, abortion, privacy rights, freedom of expression and religious tolerance. American soldiers continue to face violence in Afghanistan and Iraq while new threats are mounting in Iran, North Korea and Pakistan. With all this turmoil, it is tempting to choose sides, draw lines and rely on human ingenuity to solve our problems. But this is a moment when we desperately need God.
When ancient Israel fell away from God and God prepared to cast them away from His holy presence, prophets like Isaiah were raised up to call people of faith to repentance and prayer. Through Isaiah, we are given a simple and powerful prayer:
O Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for You.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress. (Isaiah 33:2 NIV)
I hope you will join your ECC family and others from churches throughout the Pioneer Valley on Thursday, May 7th at 7 p.m. on the steps of Springfield City Hall as we pray for our nation. If you would like to carpool, be at ECC at 6:15 p.m.
