Pray for America
2 powerful ways to let freedom ring
Brenda Stone
I don’t know about you, but this year’s Independence Day struck me more deeply than ever before. If I had to guess, I would say it is because of the current state of our country— and the direction we appear to be heading. This isn’t about politics. These are simply my thoughts on how we, as everyday people, can still make a difference. And we must—if we want America to remain a land of the free and home of the brave for our children and grandchildren.
The most important thing we can do is pray!
- The most important thing we can do is pray.
It’s easy to wonder if our personal prayers actually matter—but they do! Jesus encouraged His disciples to be peristent annoying pests when asking God for the things that truly matter. (See Luke 11:5-13.)
Our Founding Fathers believed this too. George Washington wrote:
“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.”
Okay, so maybe he didn’t say to be annoying pests but I think “humbly to implore” carries the same spirit—just in 18th century vocabulary!
Do you pray regularly for our nation? Do you pray for our leaders—nationally and locally— our first responders, police, military, and all those in authority? We may never have an audience with someone in Washington, D.C., but at any moment, we have access to the One who is sovereign over all things.
And if you ever wonder where to begin when you “humbly implore,” you can’t go wrong with 2 Chronicles 7:14-15:
“Then 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 forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place” (NLT).
If you’re wondering where this “place” is—at that time, it referred to the Temple. But today, because of Christ’s sacrifice and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are His Temple. He is attentive to every prayer you offer.
The next thing you can do is speak up.
2. The second thing you can do is speak up.
I’m not suggesting we be aggressive or confrontational. But each of us has a responsibility—especially within our families and with those who look up to us—to share God’s Word and the story of our nation’s founding.
In Deuteronomy 6:7-9 the people of God were commanded to teach His Word in their homes all day, every day. I believe that same principle applies in sharing the incredible history of our country’s rich spiritual and historical heritage with those in our sphere of influence.
Many of us could use a refresher course ourselves, wouldn’t you agree? How much have you researched and read the words of our Founding Fathers and the incredible miracles that made our country a nation? I’m ashamed to say, I have slacked in this area, but that is changing. And I’d like to share some resources that are helping me to reclaim the true history of America, and to be knowledgeable enough to share with others.
Begin by spending some time on the site www.wallbuilders.com. You’ll find articles, videos, and actual verbiage of many of our historical documents. For a quicker overview, I would recommend two Independence Day messages I recently heard. Both would make for a great family night or small group event.
The Founder of WallBuilders, David Barton, spoke at Crossroads Church. His overview of the history on the founding of our country was eye opening and humbling at the same time. There were very few things he shared that I had ever read or heard before. Here is the link to America’s Godly Heritage.
The second is the July 4th message from my own pastor, Craig Coulter. You can enjoy the patriotic music or skip straight to the message but, again, there were stories shared that I had not heard before about the founding of our country. Watch Celebrate Freedom here.
We owe it to ourselves, and we certainly owe it to our children and grandchildren to know our country’s history and to take up the mantle to educate them so they can pass this along to future generations. I believe it is our responsibility, not the schools, to pass this history along; the same as it is our responsibility and not the church to teach God’s Word to those we love.
If we want America to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave, let’s start by becoming brave ourselves—brave enough to pray and bold enough to speak up while we are still free.
God bless you and God bless America!
Pray for our country today, and encourage someone else today on the Prayer Wall.
Brenda grew up on the grounds of the Family Life Radio Albion Station, where both of her parents served in the ministry, and moved with her family to Tucson in 1982 when the headquarters relocated. She followed in their footsteps, serving in various roles for 14 years before stepping away to raise her three children alongside her husband, David. Rooted in a deep faith and love for this ministry, Brenda is grateful to be involved once again as a member of the ILM Board. www.brendaorganizes.com