Pray for the Military



When you said "Seek my face", my heart said to you, "Your face, O Lord, I will seek."

 
          With Memorial Day coming up, my mind has been on the highest offices of our military, the Joint Chiefs of Staff who advise the President on issues related to military actions and security of the U.S. around the world.  Let's lift these men up before the Lord asking God to give them a desire for wisdom that can only come from Him. 

Admiral Mike Mullen , Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Norton Schwartz –  Chief of Staff of the U. S. Air Force

Martin Dempsey – Chief of Staff of the Army

Gary Roughead – Chief of Naval Operations

Father,
We offer up prayers on behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S.  Please soften their hearts toward You so that they desire your wisdom and direction.  We pray that their focus will be on the security of our country and for the welfare of the troops under them.  We ask that you will work through them to advise the President and his Cabinet wisely on military matters.  Protect them and use them according to your will. 

Blessings.

Prayer for the United States

We are all aware that this country is facing very serious times.  Elections are approaching that we hear are vital to our future.  In my humble opinion, the future of this country rests on nothing less than its citizens returning to God and to His ways.  Without the All Powerful, All Mighty God centered as the focus of our personal lives and given permission to influence our country, I fear our future is fragile and fleeting like other great cultures before us who have died and are buried in sands around the world.

King David was a man chosen by God to lead a kingdom which was also chosen by God.  Where was King David ordained to lead this group of people??  He led them to his relationship with his God.  The young nation of Israel had access to the intimacy and dependence that defined David's life with God.  David's relationship with God served as a picture to Israel and mankind of the type of relationship God wants with each individual.  Scripture often refers to David seeking God's direction for his personal life and for the kingdom.  Israel was victorious in war because David received and followed God's direction.   David led Israel to wealth, worship, war, and peace from his relationship with God.  Thankfully, David is all human so we can observe even his failures and God's redemption of David through their relationship.

Am I comparing the United States to Israel?  Absolutely not.  I am comparing God's call of David to God's call of each one of us as a redemptive act that will affect the United States. 

The United States needs people devoted to God to lead us into the future.  I personally long for leaders who seek God and refuse to remove Him from their lives while serving in office.  I long for leaders who embrace their relationship with God and have the strength to influence this country towards holiness, faith, and service.  I long for leaders who have diligently sought God and been given a redemptive vision for this country.  I long for leaders who can inspire us to repentance and devotion in our own lives.  I long for God's wisdom in the spiritual battle for this country.  Raise up leaders like David, Oh God. 
Lord, hear our prayer!!!   

Father,
You are the only hope for the future of this country.  We pray that you will forgive us for straying from you and living as though your counsel is obsolete.  Father, I pray that our hearts are turned towards you for relationship and wisdom.  Prompt us towards holiness and love.  We need your guidance and intervention at this place in our history.  Raise up servants who are willing and able to lead this country.  Give us wisdom to identify and support them in their undertaking.  
Lord, hear our prayer.       

What will you do with the burden?

I surrendered my vehicle yesterday. So long, Freedom. Good knowing you, Independence. And Pride? You'll be on the back burner for awhile.

This is just one of many consequences of mistakes I've made over many years. It's tough, and sometimes I want to shake my fist at God and ask why He didn't do something. Provide more income so I could literally pay my dues. Stop me from making some of those wayward choices. Make me wiser so I didn't make those choices in the first place.

He could change this situation, but it's unlikely. More likely that He wants to change my heart.

It occurs to me that while God does many things for me, He will never take over my brain or my body and force me to do His will. That's another choice I can make - with assuredly better results. As for today, He promised to give me wisdom when I ask for it (James 1:5). I know that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

The Scriptures say He will never give me more than I can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). And God promised to be my Comfort (Isaiah 51:12) and Peace (Ephesians 2:14) and a constant Presence (Psalm 139:7). My choice today is to focus on the good that He is working through my mistakes, and to turn to Him for comfort, peace, and strength.

Are you struggling with consequences from your mistakes? What will you do with the burden?

"I, even I, am He who comforts you." Isaiah 51:12

Father God, thank you for your loving comfort and for your unending grace. Thank you for the promises you've recorded in Scripture to help us through difficult times. May we always recognize the way out of temptation, and may we continually seek your escape. Work the painful situations of each person here for good in our lives and in the kingdom. Give your children the strength to withstand, to turn to you in our pain, and to give you the glory. Give us wisdom to make choices that honor you. We pray these things in your holy name, Amen.