As we approach the 232nd anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, I feel a great burden and the need for effectual fervent prayer for this great nation.  As the son of a Veteran, I was taught the values of true patriotism from a young age.  I still tear up a little during the Star Spangled Banner, and teach my children the same respect for this nation that was instilled in me. However, reality is reality and this country I have loved all my life is in need of some serious prayer.

Over the centuries since its founding, the USA has been abundantly blessed by our Creator.  Despite high gas and food prices, the latest media “crisis”(mortgage, climate, credit, energy), and generally pessimistic outlook of Americans, the people of this great country are far and away the most materially wealthy people on the planet.  We complain about our economy between bites of our Triple Whopper® and sips of our King Size® Coca-Cola® as Africans and Asians forage for whatever food they can find in the bush in order to feed their families.  We lament the crushing reality that our budget will only allow us to buy the medium sized Jacuzzi®, oblivious to the fact that many of our South American neighbors don’t even have access to clean water supplies.  Because of the material wealth with which we’ve been blessed in such a short period of time, it has been easy to lose sight of the One who gives and takes away.  The “stuff” we’ve acquired has in many cases become our god.  People are expected to “vote their wallet” in the upcoming election, causing politicians to scramble to see who can promise the most goodies.  Materialism has its own apostles, prophets, and evangelists as well.  Turn on any “Christian” TV station and listen to the overwhelming theme of the messages.  Money, money, money, money…….MONEY!  They are preaching that God is a giant ATM and all you have to do is “sow your seed” and God will miraculously dump piles of cash into your lap.  Whatever happened to the salvation message, the discipleship message, the message to the heart instead of the wallet?

Along with the material generation comes the “if it feels good, do it” attitude in modern society.  Anyone who highlights the downside of such thinking is immediately labeled a prude at best, a hateful bigot at worst.  I took my family to COSI in Columbus, Ohio this past Saturday not having listened to the daily news.  On our way home, we noticed a policeman directing traffic away from Broad and High Street.  It wasn’t long before I noticed the reason why as rainbow flags were being waved.  I failed to catch the news that this was the day of Columbus’ “gay pride” parade.  People dressed in all manner of disgusting, revolting attire were parading themselves for the world to see just how low sin had taken them.  I had to instruct my children to look down at their books and not into the streets.  I noticed some members of the Baptist Church holding signs reading “Burn in Hell”.  I saw sinners and preachers, but not a Minister in sight.  I saw the message of hedonism and the message of hate, but no Gospel.  I saw those seemingly proud to be on their way to hell and those who were glad to see them damned, but no one trying to reach out to the lost.  This generation is in dire need of the Gospel, and so many Christians would rather have meetings proclaiming their own greatness in being those who are “in the Truth”(stepping on some Oneness Pentecostal toes here?).  You have the Truth?  Great!  Now how about getting the Gospel to this lost and dying generation before it’s too late?  How about being a little bit more generous with this Truth?  We want to swing our Swords in all directions in defense of the Truth, not realizing we’re just cutting off people’s ears.

This nation’s leaders are in great need of prayer.  Regardless of who you vote for or if you choose not to vote at all, the next President will need all our prayers as he will be the one setting the course for our country over the next four to eight years.  Pray that he will be led of the Lord in all his actions and lead the USA back on the path to greatness.  Pray that the Citizens of our great Republic will hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, turn, and be healed.  Pray that this nation will tear down the groves of materialism, destroy the high places of “if it feels good…”, and get back to being One Nation Under God.  God forgive America, God lead and guide America, God heal America, and then maybe God Bless America.  All true Christian Prayer Warriors please pray earnestly for our country, it’s the only one he gave us!

May the Lord Jesus Bless and Keep you and may He continue to bless the United States of America.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Ev. Duane Williams