I am a huge believer in Max Lucado, a brilliant pastor in Texas who has written some wonderful books I have read, and I am an even bigger believer in the power of prayer because there have been times it has seemed like it was the only rope left for me to grasp. I’m on record as a guy who admits I pray all the time and, if you don’t know this yet, Max kicked of a nationwide plea for “40 Days of Prayer” yesterday.
He – just like you and me – is worried about our country right now. Please, this effort has nothing to do with which candidates you will vote for 39 days from now but instead is an effort to ask God for His grace and mercy. Here’s a letter Max sent out to as many people as he could find:
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Dear Friend,
In the gym, the church parking lot, Starbucks—everywhere I go -- I hear the same question: “What can I do about the condition of our country?” Declining moral standards. Economic turmoil. Seemingly endless bickering and posturing of our leaders. More than ever before, citizens are concerned about the future of our nation. The presidential election is drawing near and we wonder, “What can I do?”
Here is the answer: pray. During times of national concern, our first and foremost task is prayer.
“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 MSG)
I’m inviting you to join me in 40 days of prayer for the USA. Beginning September 28 and ending on election day, November 6, will you offer this request to God?
Like you, I am a concerned citizen. Like you, I believe in God’s power to heal our nation. But we must pray. “You people who remind the Lord of your needs in prayer must never be quiet.” (Isaiah 62:6)
Please commit to this prayer initiative. Just sign up and begin praying. Our God is a God who answers prayer.
Prayerfully,
Max Lucado
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I’ve always figured the best prayers come from a person’s heart, not from reading a script, but if you might need a template of sorts to get going, or tack to the bathroom mirror where you won’t forget a day, Max offers the following example:
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Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us this promise: ”... 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.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So, we pray to you. We turn from evil and look to you, our God. Please:
Unite us,
Strengthen us,
Appoint and anoint our next president.
In the name of Christ we pray, Amen
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Are you tired of the senseless shootings in Chattanooga? Do you worry about our homeless? What about of military and police and under-achieving schools? Do you agonize over health costs and worry about our dysfunctional Congress? The list goes on and on but, as Max said, this is something all of us can do for the next 39 days and I’ll guarantee you it can’t hurt.
royexum@aol.com