OUR NATION: A CALL TO PRAY

Speaking of the US elections, Jason Soroski said, "As our nation finds itself in yet another highly divisive election season, our tendency can be to draw firm lines between ourselves based on which candidates we support, and that can in turn lead to personal dislike for one another, anger towards those who lead, and eventually division. As Christians, we are to live in a fine balance; standing for that which is true while seeking unity amongst ourselves whenever possible, standing firm in the faith while showing grace to those who do not, holding our leaders accountable while praying for their wisdom and well-being."

However, in our country Nigeria (speaking to my Nigerian readers), there's a greater tendency for some Christians to be negligent and to care less about the elections. This ought not to be so. However, a good start on the road to proper governance is sincere concern for the the good of our nation. And while you may not be one of the candidates, you very well hold a vital key to unlocking a better Nigeria.

Have you prayed about certain issues that troubled you, and in your moment of despair and distress, the Lord came through. Now, the Lord is asking us to arise in prayer, and come boldly to the throne of grace. There is no better time than now to say with the Prophet Isaiah in Isa. 32: "Rise up ye careless women, and women that are at ease." You know there is power in prayer. Let us engage the power and bring forth the plans and purposes of God.
Remember Paul's instructions about praying for leaders. He said that we pray so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness. We really need that.

Here are 10 Scriptures to help us. The Lord has never left us without His word.

1) Romans 13:1 – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

2) Jeremiah 29:7 – Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

3) II Chronicles 7:14 – 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

4) Job 12:23-25 – He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them.

5) Proverbs 2:1-8 – My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding- indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

6) Psalms 2:10-11 – Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.

7) Proverbs 11:14 – For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

8) Proverbs 21:1 – The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

9) I Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

10) I Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.