Day of Prayer
“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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14The first Thursday in May is designated by the United States Congress as the National Day of Prayer, a day when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. In prayer we are able to convey any concerns, worries, anxieties, hopes, wishes and more. It is also a time to remember that no matter the circumstance, God is in control.King Solomon was given the honor of building the temple of the Lord. When he completed the temple, he prayed a prayer of dedication acknowledging God for His faithfulness and for keeping His promises and more. It was a heartfelt prayer, a prayer that he hoped God would be pleased (2 Chronicles 6:12-42), So on this National Day of Prayer his is an example worthy to follow.It was after Solomon had completed the temple and prayed that the Lord appeared to Him saying “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices (2 Chronicles 7:12)”. But the Lord also gave him instruction should they (His chosen people) find themselves in a state of disobedience, “ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” To humble oneself is to realize our lowly estate and the sovereign nature of God, it is also recognizing our sin nature while exercising sincere repentance. Prayer is the dialog that one has with God expressing praise and seeking forgiveness but not only forgiveness through true sorrow but turning from acts of disobedience, that is when God says He will hear their prayer and heal their land.We should never expect God to give us whatever we want in prayer. Prayer is seeking God’s will and just as it was during Solomon’s reign it applies today; “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7)”.Aligning your will with God’s will and His promises will surely give you the answers you seek. As Jesus taught His disciples “man ought to always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1b)”.