How Did You Pray Today?

How did you pray today?

Last night was an amazing night for America. I do not say that because I agree with the outcome of the election but because it did represent a dramatic shift for our country. On the positive it offered one more step in the removal of racial barriers; and it engaged the country in mass more than any other election. On the negative it seems to be one more step from America’s roots as a country based upon the principles of the scriptures and a morality that was defined by God.

As disappointed as I was personally last night this morning I woke with deep conviction in my heart born from a powerful passage of scripture:

Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

I trust in the sovereignty of God. I trust that He is in control and that even this is according to His plan. So when I woke this morning I prayed for our President-Elect Barack Obama. I pray wisdom and strength for him. I pray that God would focus his heart and guide his hands.

How did you pray today? Did you delight in the revelation of God’s plan or did you question whether He had lost control? Did you pray for your President-Elect or did you wish him ill? Did you purpose in your heart to submit to him or did harbor thoughts of rebellion.

We must trust the truth of scripture and the power and plan of God. Last night was not an accident and it did not represent the loss of control on the part of God. He continues to reveal His will and plan for humanity and the end is unchanging:

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (NIV)

⁵⁰ I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ⁵¹ Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— ⁵² in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

How did you pray today?