A patriot is one who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
There are many who’ve never defended our nation physically as a part of the military. But whether active, retired or never been a part of our Armed Forces, believers must grasp the fact that our deadliest enemies are unseen. These unseen enemies motivate and drive those who are visible!
Ephesians 6:10-13: Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. NASU Prayer cannot be separated from the support of our country, and our desire to defend it against enemies or detractors, visible and invisible. This is particularly true for believers who accept the Biblical mandate to engage in the everyday life of our nation, determining to bring God’s purpose to light in a dark culture through our choices and words.
Praying for our nation inspires us to a greater patriotism: to support our country and defend it against enemies or detractors. The more patriotic we become, the more we want to pray for our nation, through which God has generously provided for us and much of the world. One of the most dynamic expressions of patriotism is consistent prayer for those who are called to seek and carry out God’s will in government.
As we approach our nation’s birthday celebration on July Fourth, it’s important to remember the foundation that made this nation great. America was birthed in prayer as the Founding Fathers made a powerful, prayerful Declaration of Independence at the first meeting of the Continental Congress in 1774. Colonial delegates met under growing British conflict to declare their “civil and religious liberties.” Among the delegates was Col. George Washington who had cast a vote for Virginia to hold a day of prayer for the people of Boston. John Adams wrote in his diary about his profound longing for God’s strength and courage: “I wander alone and ponder. … The objects before me are too grand. … We have not men fit for the times. We are deficient in genius, in education, in travel, in fortune, in everything. I feel unutterable anxiety. God grant us wisdom and fortitude!”
The second Continental Congress, in 1775, continued the commitment to pray and called for a national day of humility, fasting and prayer. This spirit of dependence on God undergirded the drafting of the Declaration of Independence the following year. People prayed fervently, and saw dramatic evidences of God’s intervention. After George Washington took the oath of office as first President, he went with Vice President John Adams to St. Paul’s Chapel, seeking God’s providential care for the new government and its leaders.
Our nation desperately needs more prayerful, Godly men and women in government, and those in office desperately need believers who will pray for them daily. This troubling, turbulent and divisive time demands a fresh commitment to pray for guidance for our leaders as they seek to lead this nation under God.
God wants to bless our nation! Instead of imagining and expecting the worst, let’s confidently imagine what would happen if every American who says they love God would set time aside daily to pray for members of our government! Why not do it? Why not now? Prayer and patriotism are inseparable!
Infinite Grace Ministries 1414 Cypress Dr.
P.O. Box 466 Weatherford, OK 73096 580-774-2884
