If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
“Seeking God in Prayer” – by Dean Ridings (Focus on the Family)
Come and P.R.A.Y.
Here’s an acronym that will help guide you in prayer: P.R.A.Y. The letters stand for Praise, Repent, Access and Yield, which captures the essence of prayer — to seek an audience with the King of the universe, the Holy One, who in the mystery of His character loves us and responds to our prayers.
Praise: We’re to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise (see Psalm 100:4). Sit quietly and thank God for who He is and what He has done.
+ Thank you, Lord, for making heaven and earth and all that it contains – and making it all good.
+ Thank you, Lord, for making me in your image and claiming me as your child by grace through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ.
+ Thank you, Lord, for establishing America as a one-of-a-kind nation – an experiment in human governance with liberty and justice for all, under your providential care.
+ Thank you, Lord, for placing me in America during a time of unprecedented opportunity and freedom.
Repent: A sober reminder comes from Psalm 66:18: If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” A spiritual cleansing is needed in order to come nearer to the throne of God.
Dear Heavenly Father, I bow before you and confess that I have too often forgotten that I am yours. Sometimes I carry on my life as if there was no God and I fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things I ask your forgiveness and I also ask for your strength. Give me a clear mind and open heart so I may witness to You in my world. Remind me to be who You would have me be regardless of what I am doing or who I am with. Hold me to You and build my relationship with You and with those You have given me on earth.
Almighty God, who freely pardons all who repent and turn to Him, now fulfill in my contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; forgiving all my sins, and cleansing me from an evil conscience; through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen.
Access: We’re not telling God anything new — “All my longings lie open before you, O Lord: my sighing is not hidden from you” (Psalm 38:9). Even so, He gives us access to talk to Him about our needs and frustrations.
Lord God, here are some of the frustrations that I’m feeling as an American citizen –
+ I have lost confidence in America’s two-party political system – whether Republican or Democrat, they are not working for ordinary Americans.
+ I have lost confidence in America’s three branches of Government – the Executive branch is lawless; the Judicial branch has been compromised; and Congress is feckless.
+ I have lost confidence in America’s presidential nominating process – both parties have a rigged system designed to change nothing and keep the elites in power.
+ I have lost confidence in America’s press and media – they lie, distort and spin for one side; fair and balanced have become meaningless words.
+ I fear for our military, warriors and families, that our government will sacrifice them on the altar of political expediency – the debacle in Benghazi was a perfect example.
+ I could go on, Lord, but you know my heart.
Yield: The fact that we have brought our prayer list before God indicates our trust that He will, in His time and in His way, show us the way we should go (see Psalm 143:8).
Heavenly Father, you are Sovereign over all the nations of the earth. Human history is playing itself out under your providential hand, according to your ultimate purpose – when every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to your glory. Listen to my prayers and answer in your way and in your time – may I graciously accept your will as the future of America is revealed.
+ In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 