Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- If…Then

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Edmund Burke, orator, author and leader in Great Britain during the time of the Revolutionary War, wrote: “What is liberty without wisdom and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness, without restraint.” Wisdom is the critical concept. Only when your life is directly in line with God’s viewpoint – when you apply His perspective to your life – can you become wise.

For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Proverbs 2:10

Striving to satisfy your passions and desires without regard to their consequences is a dangerous way to live, both physically and spiritually. The Lord created you with a need for – and the capability of – knowing and understanding Him. If you receive His words…if you hold His truth in your memory…if you search Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to apply what you have read to what you are experiencing…then wisdom will come into your heart, discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, delivering you from evil (Proverbs 2:1-12).

Let your prayers give life and energy to your study of His Word. Join with others in intercession for America’s leaders, that they might know the true God and be led by His sound wisdom.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 25:4-14

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Get It Together

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In a recent study of the expectations of Americans, psychologists employed a simple experiment with two photographs. People were asked to identify with one photo or the other. While the study centered on racial issues, the results revealed a broader social condition: people tended to identify with others who were most like them. “There is power in togetherness,” the study concluded. The study also explains why Congressional partisanship is so strong; the nation’s leaders are naturally drawn toward those who share the same political views.

Whoever listens to me will dwell secure, and will be at ease.

Proverbs 1:33

Wisdom is the overriding subject of Proverbs. God asks you to seek for it and apply it. Today’s verse implies that if everyone would but listen to His words, unity in America would be possible, with security and ease the result. What a difference that would make in neighborhoods, in churches, and on Capitol Hill.

As you pray today to put God’s Word first while living in unity with your fellow Christians, pray also for the men and women in government to find wisdom in the Scriptures and seek to be unified in making the best decisions for all Americans regardless of political affiliation.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:4-16

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Charles Spurgeon – The procession of sorrow

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‘And they took Jesus, and led him away.’ John 19:16

Suggested Further Reading: John 15:18–21

I will not say it is because we are unfaithful to our Master that the world is more kind to us, but I half suspect it is, and it is very possible that if we were more thoroughly Christians the world would more heartily detest us, and if we would cleave more closely to Christ we might expect to receive more slander, more abuse, less tolerance, and less favour from men. You young believers, who have lately followed Christ, should father and mother forsake you, remember you were bidden to reckon upon it; should brothers and sisters deride, you must put this down as part of the cost of being a Christian. Godly working men, should your employers or your fellow-workers frown upon you; wives, should your husbands threaten to cast you out, remember, without the camp was Jesus’ place, and without the camp is yours. O you Christian men, who dream of trimming your sails to the wind, who seek to win the world’s favour, I do beseech you cease from a course so perilous. We are in the world, but we must never be of it; we are not to be secluded like monks in the cloister, but we are to be separated like Jews among Gentiles; men, but not of men; helping, aiding, befriending, teaching, comforting, instructing, but not sinning. The more manifestly there shall be a great gulf between the church and the world, the better shall it be for both; the better for the world, for it shall be thereby warned; the better for the church, for it shall be thereby preserved. Go then, like the Master, expecting to be abused, to wear an ill name, and to earn reproach; go, like him, without the camp.

For meditation: The doctrine that Christians can befriend and please both God and the world is not a biblical one (Galatians 1:10; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15). Are you trying to do the impossible?

Sermon no. 497
1 March (1863)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Value His Views

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Bill Gates’ ideas transformed the world of communication. Oprah’s opinion is vastly influential. A speech by President Obama gives rise to strong emotions from left to right of the political range. Whose opinion do you value?

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

Psalm 139:17

Today’s verse calls God’s thoughts precious and of great worth. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

Let your prayer echo the psalmist, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) Seek insight from God’s Word with the enthusiasm of a pirate after buried treasure. Value His views greater than any others. Then pray that the citizens and leaders of this nation will respect His Word and that freedoms concerning the Bible will remain intact.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 1:20-31

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K – Circle of Blessing

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Almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther wrote, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Author Robert Wolgemuth continues this thought: “Prayer is the glue that affixes your heart to your Heavenly Father.” It is profound reverence for God, the fear of the Lord, which causes you to hate the things that God hates and love the things that He loves…to walk in holiness.

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

Psalm 128:1

Paul exhorted the Ephesians to “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) Walking in His ways puts the capital “W” in worship. Your actions reflect His character. Picture this wonderful circle of blessing: prayer brings you to deeper fellowship with God, leading to a loving fear of Him, giving you the wisdom of God, motivating you to obedience, manifesting itself in your praise to Him, involving you in activities that are eternally important, and giving Him glory and you the blessing.

God places amazing significance on your prayers. Do not be disheartened as you intercede for this nation and its leaders. God will work for good and bless those who fear Him.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:17-4:6

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Find Your Focus

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Research out of Sweden shows that digital billboards can distract drivers for two to three seconds; in that amount of time, accidents can happen.

To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!

Psalm 123:1

As important as it is to keep your eyes on the road as you drive, it’s imperative in life to focus on the Lord to avoid pitfalls that can hurt or even destroy you. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” Jesus said in John 14:6. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” As you look to Him, “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

As God instructs and, at times, corrects you, remember to keep your eyes on the Lord. Honor His Spirit within you by spending time in the Word of God and listening with spiritual ears. Set aside time each day to worship Him through singing, journaling, or even poetry. Then pray for the country’s leaders and citizens to place their focus on the King of Kings who is enthroned in the heavens. He is worthy!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 12:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Humble Dependence

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Is your relationship with God intensely personal? Your response can be “yes,” but there is always room for improvement. Today’s culture wants to pull you into its mold and accept the things it tolerates. But you must be different.

What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

Psalm 116:12

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) As you listen to His Word, you realize the Lord’s goodness and His ultimate love for you…He gave His Son Jesus Christ to be your Savior. If you are indifferent to this fact, you have slighted God and will miss His blessings.

So what shall you render for all his benefits? One Bible commentator wrote that God delights in the payment of a heart won to His love and melted by His mercies. A thankful heart responds in prayers of adoration, thanksgiving and humble dependence…an indication that you are genuinely convinced of His wisdom and love. Let that carry over into your prayers for this nation – the results can be surprising as you give Him honor with your lips and your heart.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 12:18-28

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – New Every Morning

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Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:22–23

Sometimes I will run into people I knew years ago, and they will say, “Hey, Greg, we remember the old days back at the tent [at Calvary Chapel]. Those were good days, weren’t they?”

“Yeah, those were great days,” I will say. “So anyway, where are you going to church now?”

“We don’t go to church. We’re still living off the tent.”

They need to get current. That was then, this is now. For some people, it is all about what God did thirty years ago or twenty years ago. But I am interested in what God is doing today. And I want to see what He will do tomorrow. The past is interesting to me only to the extent that I can learn from it so I don’t make mistakes that I have made there. I can also remember some great things that God did and pray that He will do them again.

There’s a place for remembering, but let’s not be crippled by past victories that stop us from doing what God wants us to do today. The Bible says that His mercies are new every morning (see Lamentations 3:22–23).

That is why Paul could say, “Forgetting those things which are behind . . .” (Philippians 3:13). If anyone could have rested on his laurels, it was Paul. He had a pedigree that didn’t stop (see Philippians 3:4). And if anyone could have been crippled by his past, it was Paul. Before he was the great apostle, he was the notorious Saul of Tarsus, the Christian killer. But Paul wouldn’t allow himself to be crippled by past sins or to be distracted by past victories. Nor should we.

God wants to do a fresh work in your life today—and He wants to do another one tomorrow.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Sure to Inspire!

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One way to deal with bad news is to disguise it, and corporate wordsmiths have turned this strategy into an art form. A well-known airline recently issued a press release saying it had “outlined a long-term plan to drive shareholder returns through new and existing initiatives aimed at enhancing the Company’s product advantage and service-oriented culture while delivering improved financial results.” The CEO added that the new focus would help the company “inspire humanity and its differentiated model of serving underserved customers.”

He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112:7

Can you even begin to guess what this verbiage means? The answer is that the airline was adding new fees for checked baggage and reducing leg room to squeeze more seats into their airplanes. How this might “inspire humanity” is anyone’s guess.

There’s plenty of bad news in America these days – and new baggage fees are likely the least of your worries. But there’s no need to be fazed or afraid when your trust is in the Lord. As you worship Him today and pray for America, do so with a firm and glad heart. However uncomfortable the journey may be right now, your final destination is secure…and sure to inspire you!

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 3:12-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Immeasurable

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Physicists debate the dimensions of space. For the untrained, life exists in three dimensions. Time is added as a fourth dimension; a fifth dimension is a continuous repetition of the fourth dimension in space/time. Modern physics has added a sixth dimension, and a paper presented in December last year suggests that in this sixth dimension alternate realities exist in parallel to the ones known – a “superstring” theory which posits that the universe exists in ten dimensions at once. Aren’t you glad that you can just raise your hands and say, “God only knows,” and consider what lengths He has gone to in order to confound these scientists!

Your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Psalm 108:4

Regardless of whether you exist in a three, four or ten dimensional universe, you can rejoice knowing that the steadfast love of the Lord is so multi-dimensional that it exceeds the heavens. You can sing with the psalmist, or with the contemporary group Mercy Me, “How Great is Your Love,” knowing that it is beyond measure.

Today, as you bow your knees under the overwhelming knowledge of the vastness of God’s love, pray for the many in government who haven’t yet learned it.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:31-39

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Tell Your Miracle

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In his book Miracles, Eric Metaxas tells the story of atheist scientist Fred Hoyle who famously said “the universe looks like a put-up job. It’s too neat. It’s too perfect. It couldn’t have just happened.” The order and beauty of the natural universe disturbed Hoyle’s atheism because, scientifically speaking, he said “it couldn’t be just as it is.” Metaxas says miracles are meant to be signs that point towards God – and the miracle of the natural world is no exception. While Hoyle never became a Christian, his honest observations pointed him again and again to God.

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Psalm 105:1

What is the miracle resident in your life? Is it your conversion story, or another time God stepped into your personal domain? Today’s verse encourages you to tell the people in your world about what God has done in your life. Don’t worry about the details; just tell your story and let God’s work speak for itself.

Worship God today by telling His miracle story in your life. Then pray for those in America’s institutions of leadership, that they may comprehend God’s handiwork in their life. Pray many will find the courage to move past unbelief and into faith.

Recommended Reading: Acts 10:34-45

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Height of Fascination

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The “eight-thousanders” are 14 separate mountains on Earth more than 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level. The first recorded attempt to climb an eight-thousander was in 1895, but the first successful climb wasn’t until 1950. Each of these mountain’s summits are in the death zone, an altitude where there is not enough oxygen for a human to breathe.

For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 97:9

Perhaps man’s fascination with heights comes from his inherent desire to draw close to God. While Satan is associated with that which lies below the ground, people relate to God above the clouds. “Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!” (Psalm 148:1) The Psalmist in today’s passage calls God by one of His names – the Most High, and declares that He is over even the tallest mountain.

Drawing close to God isn’t as difficult as scaling an eight-thousander. All you have to do is call His name. Praise the one and only God of the universe. He is to be “exalted far above all gods.” Go on a walk and ask God to reveal Himself to you through His creation – and pray, too, for Him to be fully known to your nation’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Spiritual peace

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“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” John 14:27

Suggested Further Reading: Ephesians 2:11-21

If you would maintain unbroken peace, take advice from God’s minister this morning, young though he be in years. Take advice, which he can warrant to be good, for it is Scriptural. If you would keep your peace continual and unbroken, look always to the sacrifice of Christ; never permit your eye to turn to anything but Jesus. When you repent, my hearer, still keep your eye on the cross; when you labour, labour in the strength of the crucified One. Everything you do, whether it be self-examination, fasting, meditation, or prayer, do all under the shadow of Jesus’ cross; or otherwise, no matter how you live, your peace will be but a sorry thing; you shall be full of disquiet and of sore trouble. Live near the cross and your peace shall be continual. Another piece of advice. Walk humbly with your God. Peace is a jewel; God puts it on your finger; be proud of it, and he will take it off again. Peace is a noble garment; boast of your dress, and God will take it away from you. Remember the hole of the pit whence you were digged, and the quarry of nature whence you were hewn; and when you have the bright crown of peace on your head, remember your black feet; nay, even when that crown is there, cover it and your face still with those two wings, the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. In this way shall your peace be maintained. And again, walk in holiness, avoid every appearance of evil. “Be not conformed to this world.” Stand up for truth and rectitude. Suffer not the maxims of men to sway your judgment. Seek the Holy Spirit that you may live like Christ, and live near to Christ, and your peace shall not be interrupted.

For meditation: The Christian has permanent peace with God (Romans 5:1). The ruling peace of Christ in the heart is not supposed to be an optional extra (Colossians 3:15).

Sermon no. 300

19 February (1860)

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Praise His Majesty

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King David created patterns of worship according to the directions he received from the Lord. His majestic psalms are the masterpiece of spiritual literature. David’s poetic genius has been quoted often through the years. His psalms of praise, worship and meditation obviously are a reflection of his incredible love for his Heavenly Father.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

Psalm 95:6

The Ark of the Covenant was a wooden chest made to God’s specifications. The Hebrew term for the lid of the Ark is sometimes translated “the mercy seat,” which represented both God’s heavenly throne and His purpose to cleanse His people of their sins. When David rescued the Ark and brought it to Jerusalem, he exchanged his royal attire for a simple priest’s robe. By removing the pride of his status as king, David humbly acknowledged how unworthy he was to even stand before the Lord. David then danced and worshipped the King of Kings with all of his might.

Remember that God’s presence surrounds you everywhere. Take opportunities each day to stop and praise Him for who He is. Pray also that America’s leaders would set aside any pride and worship the majesty of your only true King.

Recommended Reading: II Samuel 6:12-23

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Anticipation

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In his Fifteenth Sermon on Canticles, St. Bernard said, “Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and joy in the heart. Is any among us sad? Let Jesus enter the heart, and thence spring to the countenance.”

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

Psalm 85:6

Easier said than done, right? Circumstances sometimes tend to bring you down. The winter surrounds you with cold harshness, the children suffer lengthy sickness, the job demands more than you want to give, death strikes a family member, or some sin has overtaken you…and the heart is heavy. The Old Testament psalmist asked the Lord to revive the people. They had known God’s goodness, His leading and His faithfulness, but they had forsaken Him. Now they needed to come back to Him, forgiven and in His favor once more.

Where’s your heart, Beloved? Let it be uplifted. You can know Jesus – the salvation He secured for you if only you believe – and reflect that peace in your countenance. Rejoicing comes as you worship the Lord in prayers of repentance and thanksgiving for all He is and does for you. Even as you pray for America’s leaders, let your heart soar in anticipation of what God will do to revive this nation.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 63:7-16

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Short Term Memory

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If you want a friend in Washington, the old saying goes, get a dog. Presidential approval ratings bear out the truth of this statement – people who think you are wonderful today may turn on you tomorrow. Take, for example, President George H.W. Bush. In 1991, he orchestrated the United States’ victory in the Persian Gulf War, one of the most one-sided conflicts in history. Ninety percent of Americans polled said they approved of his job performance. That he would win the next election, just one year away, seemed a foregone conclusion. Then the economy stalled, Bush broke his “no new taxes” promise, and voters threw him out of office.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11

It’s human nature to ask, “What have you done for me lately?” You may even ask it of God when things don’t go the way you think they should. In such moments, take your perspective to a higher altitude and look down on your life. You will surely see and remember that He has, indeed, been good and brought you through many hardships.

He will do it again! As you pray for America today, “remember the deeds of the Lord” and his “wonders of old.” It’ll correct your short term memory.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 4:1-7

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team;  P.G. – Glory in Your Grey

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In Psalm 71, we see David reminiscing on his life, and now acknowledging the grey in his hair. While he is filled with praise for God’s lifetime of provision, he is eager to pass what he has learned to the next generations. David asks the Lord to sustain him so that he might.

I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalm 71:18

Aging has its challenges…failing health, falling income, possibly even thoughts of uselessness or obsolescence. But God wants you to glory in your grey. You have lessons to teach. Times when God healed health issues, or provided just the right job when you thought financial ruin was looming. You are not useless so long as you can have the sound of praise in your heart and in your voice. Grandparents can often get their messages through to children and youth when the words of parents fall on deaf ears.

What legacy are you preparing for the generations who will follow you? The most important is their memories of your love and praise for the Lord. Ask Him to be your sustainer through your grey (or golden) years. Intercede for God to grant His loving wisdom to the grandparents who serve in Congress, the courts and the Obama Administration.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Power Music

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Do you have a special song to share with a significant person in your life this Valentine’s Day? Did you know there’s power in it? Research shows music can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve chronic pain, and increase coordination, communication and self-esteem.

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

The Bible also tells of the power of music and songs. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. As they prayed and sang hymns, their chains were loosened and the prison doors opened. In II Chronicles 20, armies were coming against King Jehoshaphat and Judah. The king prayed and instructed the people to sing to the Lord. When they began to sing, God defeated the armies for them. Paul reminds believers in Ephesians 5 to stay filled with the Spirit by singing hymns and songs and making melody in their hearts.

Today’s verse reminds you to praise the name of God with a song. Remember, there’s power in it. As you spend time in worship today, share a song with Him. Amazing things can happen through song. Also pray for a new song of praise and thanksgiving to manifest in people’s hearts across the nation.

Recommended Reading: II Chronicles 20:1-4, 18-22

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R – Limited Time Offer

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The largest cemetery in the United States – measured by number of internments – is Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. Over three million are buried there: everyone from once-famous politicians and wealthy tycoons to notorious mafia leaders and even penniless waifs whose families would have struggled to raise the seven dollar burial fee when the cemetery opened in 1848.

Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion.

Psalm 62:9

Though it was once a tranquil place away from the city, Calvary Cemetery is now dissected by the Long Island Expressway. Visitors to the cemetery experience a poignant and striking contrast: as they stand among three million tightly-packed headstones, the traffic roars by, hundreds of thousands of people hurrying their way to and from the skyscrapers in the distance.

Your time on earth is limited – just a “breath” the psalmist noted – and to believe wealth will bring meaning to life is a “delusion.” Today, pray for an opportunity to impact your neighborhood and your nation with something of eternal value. “Only one life, a few brief years, each with its burdens, hopes and fears,” wrote the missionary C.T. Studd. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Recommended Reading: James 4:11-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Yay God!

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Fans go all out at football games, wearing the team color, painting their faces and roaring as a unit at a touchdown. Concertgoers raise their hands and swoon at rock stars. Supporters clap, cheer and throw confetti for leading politicians. So why not unite hearts, souls and minds, raise voices and cheer for the lover of souls, the giver of good things, the creator of the universe, the all-powerful glorious one, the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end?

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Psalm 51:15

King David was eager to worship. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1) And he had so much enthusiasm, dancing before the Lord when the ark returned to Jerusalem, that his wife was embarrassed by his behavior (II Samuel 6:14-16).

Football games and concerts are fun. Political events are important. But a bigger priority is to worship God. Why not praise Him with the enthusiasm of a Super Bowl fan, the adoration of music enthusiast, and the zeal of a political supporter? Pray for this nation to recognize the awesomeness of God and give Him the praise due to His name.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 5:15-21