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Episode 216: Praying for Our Nation

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Episode 216 - Praying for Our Nation Visual Benedictions

Every year in February, we observe Presidents Day. Many churches throughout the land may observe a day of prayer, at which time they pray for the leaders of our country. Two of my friends were among the many who attended the President's breakfast in Washington DC. This annual day of prayer is a 45 year-old Washington tradition that draws people from around the world, including politicians, judges, diplomats, bureaucrats, foreign leaders, and military personnel. Praying for our nation and for our leaders is no new thought. Instead, it has been encouraged throughout the ages. C H. Spurgeon stated, "Whenever God determines to do a great work, he first sends his people to pray."

Many of our presidents who have served our country have been men of prayer. This reliance on spiritual assistance has especially characterized times of national transition and uncertainty. When our country was ravaged by the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln remarked, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming convictions that had nowhere else to go." During President Garfield's term, a member of his cabinet believed a meeting needed to be called immediately to address a national crisis. President Garfield told the Cabinet member he will be late because he had another appointment. His Cabinet member was aghast, "Just who can be so important that your appointment with him can't be broken as we face this national crisis?" President Garfield responded, "Let me be quite frank, my engagement is with the Lord to meet with him in his house at 10 o'clock. I will be there." The President kept his appointment. The crisis passed and God was honored. John Wesley once said, "Nothing is accomplished except by prayer."

A prayer thought to ponder: More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Alfred Lord Tennyson. Pray for the leaders of our nation.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

Published in the Marian Record February 20th, 1997.


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Till next time,

Trina