“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
– 1 Tim. 4:4
I was encouraged to see hundreds of fellow believers in Christ, citizen/patriots if you will, gather in the Rotunda of the State Capitol March 29 to pray for our state government and the financial troubles facing Missouri. There was an outpouring of prayer during the kick-off prayer service featuring Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of famed evangelist Billy Graham and afterwards when hundreds prayer-walked the building. Personally, I had felt convicted by the Lord for several weeks to prayer walk the State Capitol, but I resisted. The Holy Spirit’s conviction over my disobedience reached a level of intensity so that I obeyed. I, like the others who showed up to pray, did so with brokenness, humility and faith in – as well as obedience to – King Jesus. It was a privilege and a blessing to take our petitions to the Lord in prayer.
The March 29 prayer effort began 40 days of prayer and fasting for our state government. It culminates with the National Day of Prayer on May 6 and May 7, the deadline for passage of a state budget. The 40-day effort is in response to a rare request from state leaders in both the Democrat and Republican parties. Their request, coupled with the loving, prayerful response, has gotten national attention. The nature of the request for Missouri Christians to prayerfully intercede in behalf of their state government suggests one encouraging possibility: That government leaders know Who has the answers to the state’s ills and the faith demonstrated by those praying serve as a powerful testimony before the rest of America.
I am reminded of David’s prayers while preparing to build the Temple (1 Chron. 29:10-20). I encourage you to go read this passage, meditate upon it. It should drive all of us to our knees, praising God for His greatness, power, glory, majesty and splendor. For as David cries, “For everything in heaven and earth is Yours … wealth and honor come from You; You are the Ruler of all things.” David goes on to ask God to give his son, Solomon, “the devotion to keep God’s commands, requirements and decrees.” And then there is this powerful scene: “So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord.”
What was witnessed March 29 was a corporate act of obedience and faith on the part of those offering prayers in behalf of our state government. It stands as a full-throated example of how believers, living out a Christian worldview, should act in the political arena. As we continue to pray, may our leaders obey and do what is just and righteous. May they also reject Satan’s influence, repent and believe in the words of Daniel 2:21: “He (God) changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”