Standing in the Need of Prayer

“ 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

II Chronicles 7:14

When this scripture was recorded Solomon had completed the Temple in Jerusalem.

We are told that the Lord appeared to him at night and part of what God spoke is recorded above.

It is a familiar passage to many, especially those who call on God on behalf of their nation. God was speaking to Solomon concerning the Nation of Israel but it is no less relevant for my nation and yours.  

   Israel’s obedience to God was both strong and weak through the years that the kings ruled. 

But periods of disobedience were definitely more frequent and intense than their periods of obedience.

Being Gods’ chosen people did not make them immune from sin and rebellion.

Nor does it today.

Certainly the cross made a way for us to be forgiven.

But we can refuse the work of the cross we once embraced.

We can turn back to wickedness and sin. 

If we do, is there grace to restore us?

Yes.

But that should never be an excuse to continue in our sin.

Our nation is reeling because the church has not humbled herself.

They have not prayed nor have they sought Gods’ face and we have not turned from our wicked ways.

At this point it would be easy to say: “That’s right!” if we see it only as a “church wide” failure.

But when I understand, as I should, that you and I are part of that same church it ought to drive us to our knees in humble prayer and repentance!