Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Anyone

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While many don’t completely understand the Electoral College, all students are taught the election process somewhere around the fourth grade. While the popular vote is counted, the President of the United States is selected indirectly by the people. Still, it is ultimately God who allows an individual to be in any office, whether it be the White House or Congress.

Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.

I Kings 10:9

Whether you voted for or against President Obama, the Creator of all things permitted him to be there, just as He allowed former President Bush and former President Clinton before him. God placed David on the throne and claimed him “a man after my heart.” (Acts 13:22) When Moses asked for the release of his people, “the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh.” (Exodus 9:12) And in today’s verse, the Queen of Sheba recognized that Solomon was chosen by God.

God will use anyone to achieve His purposes. Give Him glory for that, and praise Him, too, for Christians who hold political offices and have a godly influence on the nation. Finally, ask Him to perform His will through those who were elected into office last week.

Recommended Reading: Acts 13:16-23

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Peace

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Fighting in World War I ceased when the armistice began the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as one to be commemorated with reflections “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.

Acts 3:15

Congress later resolved that that day should be one of “thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” It is a day “to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website) And so it should be!

There was another who sacrificed His life for all people…the Lord Jesus Christ. Give thanks and honor to Him as well. The Author of life died but rose again victorious! He freed you from sin and death. May you know Him. Believing, you will have peace in your soul.

Recommended Reading: Acts 2:23-28, 36-39

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Side Selection

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In little more than a month, he would be dead. But on this, the day of his second inauguration, President Abraham Lincoln had reason to be hopeful. The long and bloody Civil War was reaching its conclusion and victory was in sight. Yet Lincoln’s speech was marked not by hubris but by profound humility. “Both read the same Bible,” he said, speaking of the Union and the Confederacy, “and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other…the prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes.”

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

Lincoln understood the foolishness of either nation lobbying God to be their side. It was and is the duty of every individual to conform to God’s will, not the other way round. There are many politicians who maneuver and shape their religious positions around polls and popular culture. And then there are those who acknowledge that “the Almighty has His own purposes.”

Today, pray for more leaders who understand this absolute: “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 13:1-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Choices

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George Washington said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable.” The United States has a rich history of leaders yielded to God – and citizens have reaped the benefits. “Making choices is like buying tickets to future events,” Abraham Lincoln said. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Ruth 1:16

Ruth of the Bible had a choice. She and her sister-in-law were following Naomi when Naomi told them to return to their families. Orpah chose to go back, but Ruth insisted on staying with Nomi. Ruth’s decision led to a blessed life in God and to the honor of being in Christ’s lineage.

Be thankful for past leaders (governmental and religious) and the rich heritage which God has used to make America a great nation. Pray that God will have His way in the lives of newly-elected leaders and that their decisions will make a better life for the next generations. Then ask the Lord to guide you to make choices that will have benefits for you and those around you.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 24:14-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – A Grateful Heart

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George Washington knew the importance of being grateful to God for His blessings. He once said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.

Luke 17:15

Unfortunately, gratefulness is not high on many people’s priority list. Luke tells a story about ingratitude. As Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee, He encountered ten men with leprosy. They called to Jesus to have mercy and heal them. Jesus granted their request and told them to go show themselves to the priest. On the way, the men realized they had been made whole, but only one man came back to thank Jesus.

While America receives great mercy from God every day, few citizens and leaders return thanks and show gratefulness to Him. Many take His blessings for granted. Are you sending up grateful prayers today? As you do, pray also for the nation’s leaders to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and lead by example.

Recommended Reading: Romans 1:16-25

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Charles Spurgeon – The Christian’s heaviness and rejoicing

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“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” 1 Peter 1:6

Suggested Further Reading: Philippians 2:25-30

“Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness.” It does not say, “Though now for a season you are suffering pain, though now for a season you are poor”; but “you are in heaviness;” your spirits are taken away from you; you are made to weep; you cannot bear the pain; you are brought to the very dust of death, and wish that you might die. Your faith itself seems as if it would fail you. That is the thing for which there is a ‘need be’. That is what my text declares, that there is an absolute ‘need be’ that sometimes the Christian should not endure his sufferings with a gallant and a joyous heart; there is a ‘need be’ that sometimes his spirits should sink within him, and that he should become even as a little child, smitten beneath the hand of God. Ah! Beloved, we sometimes talk about the rod, but it is one thing to see the rod, and it is another thing to feel it; and many a time have we said within ourselves, “If I did not feel so low spirited as I now do, I should not mind this affliction;” and what is that but saying, “If I did not feel the rod I should not mind it?” It is that breaking down of the spirit, that pulling down of the strong man, that is the very festering of the soreness of God’s scourging—the blueness of the wound, whereby the soul is made better.

For meditation: Whenever you are overwhelmed by such distress, remember that your Saviour also experienced it on your behalf (Mark 14:33-34). He knows what it is like and can help you (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16).

Sermon no. 222

7 November (1858)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Biography

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Socrates wrote, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Benjamin Franklin, American author, scientist and diplomat, must have been thinking along those lines as he penned his own eulogy: “The body of Benjamin Franklin, like the cover of an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding, lies here, food for worms. Yet the work itself shall not be lost; for it will, as he believed, appear once more in a new and more beautiful edition, corrected and amended by the Author.”

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

I Corinthians 11:28

Biographies about American public servants are abundant. Many leaders today chronicle more than their own eulogy, some attempting to rewrite themselves as they would prefer to be perceived. However, today’s verse compels people to consider their days not in the light of history, but in the light of the Creator.

As you pray today for America’s leaders, give thanks for the men and women of the nation’s past that lived public lives of faith and dignity. Pray for those currently holding the governmental reins to humbly consider themselves with respect to that great heritage and in the light of the all-powerful God, the Author of all things.

Recommended Reading: Lamentations 3:31-41

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Godly Foundation

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The Ten Commandments are a summary of the law given to God’s people through Moses. Jesus’ summary in the book of Matthew also adds “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yet, just like the Ten Commandments, it reflects God’s expectations for His followers: to love Him and to love people.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 22:37

The Pilgrims are a great example of people who embraced these biblical principles. Ninety-nine percent of the colonial population professed to be followers of the Lord. Their purpose, as stated in the Mayflower Compact, was to plant colonies “for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith.” In fact, the Pilgrims’ reason for coming to America was to share the gospel with the Native Americans.

As you spend time with the Lord, remember to thank Him for blessing America with a unique heritage rooted in the Bible. Remember also to look for daily opportunities to share His love through your actions and your words. Intercede for your local and national leaders to embrace a true love for God and His commandments. Pray, finally, that Americans would embrace God’s purposes for this country.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Eager to Serve

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The newly-christened battleship USS South Dakota headed towards the Pacific to join the war in the summer of 1942. It carried new recruits eager to retaliate for the attack on Pearl Harbor. None were more willing than twelve-year-old Calvin Graham – an underage boy wanting to do his part to fight for his country. Somehow, Graham slipped through the cracks, telling the Navy he was seventeen. This young vet ended up with a bronze star and a purple heart at thirteen.

That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the Lord!

Judges 5:2

When someone is willing to risk their life in such a way, people take notice. In today’s passage, Deborah sings praises for a military victory over Israel’s enemies. She thanks God for effective leadership and for her people who, like Calvin Graham, proved ready to “willingly offer themselves.”

Praise God for the presidents who have led this nation into battle with a strong hand. Thank Him for the many men and women who choose to join the armed forces in order to protect this country. Ask Him to strengthen the current leadership of America and prepare this country for His plans for the future. Then ask for special blessings on the many United States veterans.

Recommended Reading: Judges 4:14-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Nothing Greater!

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Ballots will be tallied; votes will be counted. Election Day results in winners and losers and the nation will reap the consequences. It is up to you to cast your vote for men and women who will stand for righteousness…those who understand right from wrong and will base decisions on those principles.

And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Genesis 15:6

Believing what the Lord has to say in His Word – the greatest influence for good – and then obeying Him will forever have His blessing. At one point when Abram was asked to do a most difficult thing, he was ready to obey because He believed that God would provide. In another time, it was Phinehas who knew what the Lord expected of His people and stood up and intervened for Him. In each case, their belief in God “was counted to him as righteousness.” (Psalm 106:30-31)

Choose your leaders wisely. Pray intently that you may know which are best to serve under God’s guidance no matter the pressure to do otherwise. Live your life in the same manner…looking to God, believing His Word will lead you in every decision you make. Then it will be counted to you as righteousness. There can be nothing greater!

Recommended Reading: Romans 4:13-5:1

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Substitute Sergeant

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When World War I began, nobody was more apprehensive than Alvin C. York, a Tennessee country bumpkin who believed Scripture required him to be a pacifist. “I was worried clean through,” he later recalled. “I didn’t want to go and kill. I believed in my Bible.” Later, York came to understand that he had a duty to defend his country and its godly heritage against tyranny and oppression. And when he did, he became a soldier of tremendous courage and valor, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor and ultimately the subject of the Oscar-winning film Sergeant York.

But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”

Exodus 4:13

When Moses was called by God to lead, his reaction was much like Sergeant York‘s. You can probably relate, because at one time or another every Christian has prayed the honest – albeit somewhat cowardly – prayer of Moses from today’s verse. But God, as has often been said, does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Sergeant York is just one of many thousands of Americans who have risen to the greatness of the occasion.

As you pray today, ask for God to ignite His courage in your life – and then express your gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed so much so that you may live and worship freely.

Recommended Reading: II Timothy 1:3-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; CP – Stepping Up

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On September 11, 2001, Ronald C. Fazio held the door open on the ninety-ninth floor of the World Trade Center South Tower and directed people to safety, saving their lives while sacrificing his. In his honor, his son, Robert J. Fazio Ph.D., founded Hold the Door for Others, a nonprofit organization to “empower people to grow through loss and adversity.” Fazio said, “My dad was not a ‘leader’ as most of us would describe a leader. He was a quiet, humble man.”

He took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people.

Mark 8:6

During Christ’s ministry, thousands of people who came to hear Him and receive healing had no food. Jesus stepped up and provided for them through a miracle and by directing His disciples to help. What if Jesus didn’t take responsibility? Had He sent them off with no food, Christ said they would have fainted along the way (Mark 8:3).

Large crowds can be helpless without effective leadership. Is God asking you to step up? Thank God for this country’s leaders. Pray for His will to be done in the decisions they make. Then ask Him to show you ways you can humbly lead.

Recommended Reading: Mark 9:33-41

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Prepare

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Do you believe you are living in the last days of human history? Many do, loudly heralding the nightly news as proof of the beginning of tribulations and the imminent return of Christ to Earth. What can you do to manage the precarious days in which we live?

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

Joshua 3:5

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the nation of Israel was on the brink of entering a new land and a new era in their history. On the eve of their procession, Joshua told them to consecrate themselves in preparation to receive God’s provision. The word “consecrate” means to separate oneself from anything that would hinder a good relationship with God. America’s first president followed that example. After taking the oath of office, George Washington walked directly to St. Paul‘s Chapel to kneel before God, dedicating his service and America’s future.

General George S. Patton said, “Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.” Today, prepare for whatever lies ahead – first with thanksgiving for God’s past blessings, and then in humble dedication to God’s provision for the future.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 77:1-3, 11-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C.- Fright or Faith

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The movie was just okay, not particularly esteemed by the public or critics; nonetheless, buried within the plot and characters of Benjamin Mee’s “We Bought a Zoo” was a line of dialogue that even the apostle Paul could give two thumbs up: “You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14

Facing your fears in sharing the Gospel of Christ can be as terrifying as facing a hungry lion. Without doubt, as you purpose to speak of God’s mercy, the enemy will show up. Fright is an effective gag for silencing your message of hope.

Today, pray for believers across America to be courageous in sharing their faith. The Bible promises that if you will face that beast with just a few seconds of faithful prayer, he will flee the scene and the Spirit will step in. As a bonus, when others see your bravery, they may be encouraged to speak up, too. Next time you feel the heat, take a moment and move from fright into faith. God’s greatest awaits you.

Recommended Reading: Acts 18:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Heed the Call!

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Today’s verse is a statement to the people of Israel whose faithlessness, wickedness, empty religion and rebellious nature had brought God to a time of judgment. Ezekiel spoke those same words more than 50 other times in his effort to convict them of their sin and remind them of the holiness of God.

And you shall know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 6:7

These same words should be a positive statement for you as you see the Lord working in your life, giving you direction, guiding you through challenging situations, and preparing you to respond well in trying circumstances. When you falter because of fear or temptation, it should be a call for you to return in prayer to the One who is faithful and true, the One who protects and defends those who believe and trust in Him, and for whom He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

God has promised to cleanse you, revive you, and put His Spirit within you so you can walk in His statutes and carefully obey His commands. He’ll also hear and act as you intercede passionately for this nation and its leaders – that they may have the reality of forgiven sin and the benefit of a faithful relationship with the one true God.

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-31

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Real Message

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Look up conspiracy theories, and you’ll find enough to make your head spin. The topics range from JFK’s assassination to global warming to the 9/11 attacks. Conspiracy, by Webster’s definition, is a secret plan by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal.

Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.

Isaiah 8:12

While there are many current theories, conspiracies aren’t a modern idea. They date back to Bible times. Today’s key passage gives good advice when it comes to considering a notion of this sort. God told Isaiah not to believe the wild ideas of the world. The Lord’s counsel continued in the next verse. “But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Isaiah 8:13)

Don’t get caught up in conspiracy theories or, more likely, vain arguments or even political debates that will only cause you to lose focus on your real message – “[God] loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) Then pray for this nation and its leaders to seek and find real Truth. Ask God to turn all fear and reverence towards Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 25:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Lines and Signs

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You’re driving home at dusk and you notice a sign in your neighbor’s yard. You can barely make it out in the waning light, but you do see the familiar stars and stripes of a campaign placard. At first you believe it’s mostly red – for a Republican candidate. Then you think it looks more like the blue of the Democratic Party. You blink. No…maybe it’s green for an environmentally-focused politician.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Galatians 5:6

During His time on Earth, Jesus’ presence evoked anxiety among the most religious and politically savvy. What was He trying to prove by challenging their strict lines of social order? Did He not understand that walking among those on the fringes of culture would mark Him, also? At times, even His own disciples struggled to understand that His mission was not to establish a new political regime, but something far more significant.

As the signs of another election season appear, how are you handling the fine lines of disagreement? Are you tempted to judge your friends or loved ones on their political leanings? Earnestly pray today that God’s people in America will take Jesus’ example and be fearless in extending compassion to people of all political color.

Recommended Reading: Mark 2:3-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Cliché Killer

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How many ways are there to say it? From the frying pan into the fire…from bad to worse…it went downhill from there…the light at the end of the tunnel turned out to be an oncoming train. These common expressions all convey the seemingly universal belief that things are going to get worse, not better.

And the Lord answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.

Zechariah 1:13

The prophet Zechariah could have been forgiven for thinking such thoughts. God had been angry with his country for 70 years. The nation of Judah had been defeated – thoroughly dismantled, enslaved and shipped away. Now they had been allowed to return to Jerusalem, but only under the thumb of their conquerors. In a vision, an angel accompanying Zechariah asked a question on his behalf. “O Lord…how long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem?” But with repentance and humility, things were about to get better, not worse. The Lord was about to pour out grace and comfort to those who had known only fear and defeat for a generation.

As you intercede for America and her leaders today, don’t believe the clichés. Better days are ahead – if the nation will turn back to God. It starts with your prayers!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 31:19-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Faith’s Reward

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Despite the expense, having to leave his family, and knowing he could die, Brian Dickinson looked forward to climbing Mount Everest. He loved being outdoors in God’s creation, accomplishing great goals, and the challenge suited him physically, emotionally and spiritually. On Everest, he went blind while low on oxygen, yet miraculously made the descent. Looking back on the ordeal, he said, “One of the biggest changes in my life after Everest has been a deeper faith in God.”

Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:4

There’s some truth to philosopher and poet Nietzsche’s adage, “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” Temporary circumstances (good or bad) are nothing compared to eternity. And handling the bad times with a good attitude, while remaining faithful to God, results in a crown of life (James 1:12). In other words, God’s rewards are worth enduring any difficulty life throws your way.

What worries you? What problems are you facing? What concerns do you have for this country? Commit them to God in prayer and be faithful to Him, knowing the good He has in store. Count them all joy and find strength in Him.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 12:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Joy-Engendering Thankfulness

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The late Brian Clough was an English soccer manager who notoriously rubbed people the wrong way. A popular biography about him was aptly entitled, “Nobody Ever Says Thank You.” Clough, it seems, was forever indignant that people were never quite able to express their gratitude to him for his brilliance – he was never appointed manager of England’s national team but is recognized as the “greatest manager England never had” – despite the fact that he was unswervingly caustic, arrogant and, in the memorable description of his biographer, had “an unquenchable thirst for conflict.”

For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God?

I Thessalonians 3:9

Are you waiting around for words of gratitude? It’s nice to be appreciated, but it’s more important to be thankful than to be thanked. Consider Paul, Silas and Timothy. They suffered constant distress and affliction and had plenty of reasons to be anxious and fearful. But they focused their prayers and attentions on giving thanks, not seeking it. By dwelling on what others were doing on their behalf rather than on their own hardships, they found true joy.

As you pray today, remember that while there is a lot wrong with America, there’s a lot right, too. Be thankful!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1-7