Turning Our Nation to God

Our nation is in serious trouble. The United States is quickly becoming the divided states, as signs of disunity and conflicts abound. From family breakdowns, to the immigration crisis, to the abiding racial divide, to Congress’ inability to function, it is clear we are a fraying nation. Add to this the continuing moral decay that is engulfing us, whether it is the redefinition of marriage and the family, abortions on demand, a media that continues to dumb down decency, or an educational system that increasingly seeks to impart information without ethics in the name of “freedom.”

But there is a way back. We can return to our roots by a wholehearted pleading of the people of God through repentance and prayer. When we respond in this way, then God will hear our cry, see our hearts, and turn and heal our land. God and His rule is our nation’s only hope; and the church operating under His authority is the means for the realization of that hope, since it alone has been given the keys of the kingdom (see Matthew 16:18–19). 

Since national revival begins with Christians comprehensively functioning under God’s rule, it is time for a new declaration. America was born out of a desire for independence from the tyranny of England. But spiritual revival demands just the opposite. It requires verbal and visible dependence on God. If we want God to bless America, then America must first bless God. This means His people must first totally dedicate allegiance to Him through the four covenantal kingdom spheres He has established. Those four spheres are personal, familial, the church, and national. 

A PERSONAL DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE: Every Christian must decide to no longer serve two masters. God makes it clear that we cannot have the world and have Him at the same time (see 1 John 2:15–17). Each day must begin with a commitment to Him above all else, and He is to be consulted in prayer on all matters of life (see Luke 9:23). 

A FAMILY DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The dinner table must again become the central place for reviewing and applying kingdom principles (see Psalm 128:3). Couples must reconnect themselves to their biblical roles and hate divorce as much as God does (see Malachi 2:14). 

THE CHURCH’S DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE: Local churches must recommit themselves to their primary responsibility of making disciples and not be satisfied with sim-ply expanding their membership. Jesus doesn’t need more fans. He wants more followers. In addition, there must be a radical return by church leadership to the authority of Scripture and the priority of prayer as the foundation of church life (see 1 Timothy 2:8–9). The church must have regular, unified sacred gatherings to keep the focus on our absolute dependency on God. 

A NATIONAL DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE: The church must again become the conscience of the government. Through its national solemn assembly, it should clearly and respectfully call political leaders to God’s principles for government (see Romans 13:1–7), which means we cannot be so entrenched with political parties that we are not free to speak truth to those in power. It also means we must begin speaking with one voice, so the nation sees a unified church and not one divided by faith.

In addition, we should so overwhelm the culture with good works that the benefit we bring cannot be overlooked or denied (see Matthew 5:16). Finally, all attempts to remove God from the market-place ought to be resisted while we simultaneously bring our public officials in prayer before the throne of grace (see 1 Timothy 2:1–3).

As God’s kingdom agenda is manifested simultaneously through His four covenantal spheres, in a spirit of dependence on Him, then we will have done our part in welcoming the glory of our great God to be among us and for God to bring the revival we and our nation so desperately need, before it’s too late. 

Thanks, Lord, that you hear me when I cry out to you to bring our country back to you. I am depending upon you to change me and reveal yourself to others through me. I praise you that you can use me for your glory. Empower me by your Spirit. Cause my heart to be awakened toward you and fill me with a passion to serve you. 

This is an excerpt from 31 Days of Prayer for My Nation. Used by permission. Click on these links to order the book or resource kit.