If my people…Day 20

“The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” Psalm 6:9

God hears our prayers. What does He hear? Are we like the Israelites grumbling that they have no food? Or does He hear us asking for the violence in our streets to stop? Are we praying, again like the Israelites, for a certain person (king) to be our President? Governor? Mayor? I look at these as “comfort” prayers. Make me feel good prayers. What does God really want to hear from His saints?

I was struck this morning as I read Daniel 9:1-23 of what Daniel, the man whom God saved from being eaten by a lion, prayed for. Here is what I perceive to be what God wants to hear from us so that we, too, can be saved from the lions of our world. Please, give me poetic license as I interject America into this prayer.

O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with all who love Him and obey His commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from Your commands and laws…Lord, You are righteous, but this day (America) is covered with shame because of our unfaithfulness to You. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him; we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws He gave us…all (America) has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey You…Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servants. For Your sake, O Lord, look with favor on (America). Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of (America). We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Or Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because (America) and your people need You.

Daniel prayed from the depths of his soul for the city, the people of God. If God’s people pray like this, unselfishly, for America, we will see God act. This is a very short snippet of the passage in Daniel. Please, read this excerpt in its entirety and let your heart reach out for America.

Father, we thank You for hearing our petition. Strengthen us by the power of Tour Spirit to live in such a way that glorifies You. Forgive us when we do things that displease You and separate us from Your presence. Lead us each day, that we might live lives that are pleasing to You. May You forever be praised. In Jesus’ Name, Amen