A PRAYER REQUEST, October 19, 2012
As the election draws nearer, it is imperative that we continue our prayers for our nation. Not only the federal election, but state elections should find a place in our prayers. During the last decade, the states have been a major force in slowing the runaway federal government. We must have strong defenders of liberty as state governors and in state legislatures. Our prayers should be with these state officials as well as our federal elected representatives.
Although many candidates may be infected with partisan politics, our prayers to Father will have an effect on their performance. Although they may not “fear not God, nor regard man;” (Luke 18:4), our prayers will have a good effect on their thinking processes and decisions. Please make prayer for our nation a daily part of your religious observance. As you do so, your prayers will be joined to thousands of the prayers of others.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) availeth much.” James 5:16
1. Wildfires – The number of large wildfires uncontained has dropped from 16 to 6. There are 4 in the Rocky Mountain area and 2 on the Northern Great Plains. The 6 uncontained fires is a welcome change from the 38 reported in the middle of September. We must remember to give thanks to our Father for his blessings on our forests and our nation. Let us pray that the remaining fires may be extinguished and that His protection may be over our forests particularly from arson and terrorism.
2. Drought – The Western Regional Climate Center report shows rains in the Northeast, the Southern and Central Great Plains, the Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Great Lakes. The drought is far from over, but compared to the end of August it is abating. We must give thanks for the moisture received and pray that rains in due season may bless our land and increase our harvest.
3. Our troops are still engaged in nation or empire building in Iraq, Afghanistan and several nations in the Mideast. This is an investment in blood and treasure that we can ill afford. The danger to our young people engaged in the military is a risk not worthy of the supposed benefit to our nation. Their lives and well-being are just as precious as ours and should not be expended needlessly. Let us pray that our military will be brought home soon and that America will cease nation or empire building.
4. Executive Orders were used by George Washington as directives to the Executive Branch only, they were not legislation for the nation as a whole. Executive Orders were generally used as a mean of communicating with the Executive Branch until President Franklin Roosevelt used them in a successful attempt to bypass Congress– 3,522 times! Many presidents have used them similarly since then, and they have been generally accepted as law.
Like the Presidents before him, President Obama has used Executive Orders extensively– each one an unconstitutional intrusion and trampling of our process in creating laws. Let us pray that Congress will pass a bill limiting Executive Orders to the Executive Branch and rescinding all Executive Orders that exceed that provision. In such a manner the Separation of Powers may be preserved and a runaway Executive Branch be controlled.
As we pray daily for our nation, the blessings of Heaven will distill upon America and upon us. Remember that God has almost completely taken care of the fires destroying our nation and that he will, in like manner, bless America with peace, prosperity, and wisdom. If we read the blessing in II Chronicles and apply it to our lives, the powers beyond the veil will be moved for our benefit and the benefit of America. We ask that wisdom and integrity may be exhibited by our elected officials as well as our people.
“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 will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7: 14.
God Bless America,
