A Prayer for the Country

I was asked recently at a festive event to offer a prayer for our country. As I look at this nation today, I feel more like crying than praying. I have been a careful observer of this nation for most of my 80 years, and have seen it go from being a God fearing people to one who now forbids His name even being mentioned in public schools, and is being systematically removed from every aspect of public life. God, that is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our Creator God, is no longer of interest to the majority of the people.

My heart is heavy and cries as did Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, that great and noble man who preached God’s word for 40 years to the very end of David’s dynasty, when the destruction of Jerusalem, and the beginning of the 70 years of captivity in Babylon began. As it is recorded, God explained to Jeremiah that it was because of their long and worsening offense against Him that this punishment was to take place. Not only that, but God then told him, and I here quote: “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.” God repeated this admonition to Jeremiah 3 times.

With this in mind, I find it easier and more fitting to cry than pray, because I believe that we are today, very close to the condition that Jerusalem was in when God spoke these words, over 2400 years ago. However, in the spirit of hope, I truly believe that our merciful God would spare us if we would but learn, even from God’s words to Solomon regarding the manner of response He would consider from an apostate people. God said to Solomon, and I quote: If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear them from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.” As I see it, that is our only hope.

Notice God is calling out to His people who are called by His name. He is not calling the rest of the world with its many false gods, but only to His people. Who are His people? They are us! They are those who genuinely believe and worship the One and only God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. If we, collectively and individually will pray in the manner as He has prescribed, He will heal this land!

Our most Holy and merciful God, I pray that you will hear this plea, and soften and humble the hearts of each and every one of your people, both in the synagogues and churches, so that they will hear and obey, and so that this once great land can be healed.