Pray For The People

June 9, 2021

Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate.

~Daniel 9:17~

Daniel was witnessing all the destruction that his people had put themselves in by rebelling. He understood the importance of following God's law and commandments. He knew what would come to be for those who did not and he was sick with compassion. He hurt for those who did not obey, he was troubled for those who were deceived and he wanted to extend his helping hand anyway he could. The one way he knew he could was by praying in supplication for his people. Daniel began to come humbly to God in hopes to buy time for people who were heading towards calamity. He fasted, wore sack cloth and threw ashes on himself; a symbol of mourning, showing sorrow and regret publicly. Daniel was sacrificing all he had for his people in truth and deed in hopes for God to show mercy; " My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (I John 3:18)

There was much to be repented for, as there is for us as well. If we take a look around at what we are dealing with in this country particularly, we can see the amount of rebellion towards God increasing in horrible ways. Perversion is running rampant, murder is rising and lies are being spread like wild fire. We aren't able to unite as much as we used to and people's hearts grow colder; "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)

I am sure Daniel can relate to the shoes we may be filling right in this moment. Are we following his example? Are we pleading with God for mercy on those who have gone so astray? Most of what we witness is finger pointing, back stabbing and judgement. This coming from most churches even! Is this how Jesus wants us to conduct ourselves? I believe Daniel was a wonderful leading example of true humility and compassion. He could of very easily chosen to ignore the situation and go about his own buisness. He could of decided to pray for them to be judged. However, he chose the opposite. He chose to do all he could to get on his knees and use his gift of prayer to partner with God. He chose to repent with his people. He stood in the gap for those who didn't even know what repentance may look like. He took a stand and he loved those who may not have loved him. This is how Jesus calls us to be today; "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

(James 5:16)

The Lord is pleased by our petitions and our committment to our own. He longs to show mercy and watch obedient servants cry out for those whom we don't even know. The true love of God within us will cause us to be Daniels of this nation. We can watch as God moves in quicker as we pray, fast and repent for the sins of many. Are we wasting our time playing God and attempting to bring justice to a part that is not our place to do so? Jesus is asking us to be humble and kind. He desires for us to pray for the people. Judgement comes either way, but we have the opportunity to plead our case and love for others when they are stuck in the snares of the devil himself; "and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (II Timothy 2:26)

We are not just talking about the unbelieving my friends, we are addressing our own people who have fallen away from the faith and become a captive of our enemy. Yes, this is very much so possible for any of us. To think otherwise is just ignorance on our part. We are all humans who struggle. Are we focusing on the Lord always, praying for those who may not be as close to become closer so they may not slip? We know the devil lurks around looking for a weak spot in our armor and we all have the ability to let our guard down. This is why we must be alert in these days; "I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:4)

Let us grasp ahold of our inheritence with full force and pray for our people and the people of this nation to have their hearts softened, the truth received and the mercy of God so they may not perish. We should never wish ill on anyone, no matter what they have decided to do or not do. Hell is a real place and it is not pleasant by any means. Do we really want to just sit back and watch people around us go there? Are we ready to stand up stronger and use our God given authority to pray to the Father concerning these things, asking for a shift to be made in their direction and repenting on their behalf? We are very blessed to have access to the throne room, let us use it for those who do not yet. The prayers of Daniel were bold and loving and God favored him for being this way. Let us be bold and love our neighbors enough to pray fervently for their rebellion and ask the Lord to unify in truth and break the power of satan's darkness away from them. For if we do not take our time to do so, we may as well just be waving them goodbye with a smile on our face.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for Your great mercy in which I extend today towards all of those in our nation who are in rebellion towards You. I know Your covenant is pure and I pray for those who do not know about it to hear knowledge and truth. I pray they begin to have their hearts softened and they come to terms with repentance. In the meantime Lord, I repent on all of our behalf for the sins of this country and I declare the division the devil has set up against us broken in the Name of Jesus Christ. Send in Your light Father so more may see Your glory and believe. The deception is heavy but You are stronger! I give honor and praise to Your most holy Name in which gives me the ability to come to You in boldness and with compassion for those who cannot. Help us to see Your truth more in a world that seems to be fading further from You. Guide our hearts, direct our steps and increase our faith. May more people know what it is like to stand up and say Hallelujah to the King of Kings! Let the relationships grow with You. In the Name of our Savior King Jesus I pray. Amen.