Maybe you’ve noticed our country needs prayer right now. Despite the incredible gifts we’ve been given in our founding documents—our form of government, the Bill of Rights, the stated commitment to the idea that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”—even countries with the most lofty of ideals are damaged by sin. Kind of like us. Even the best of us. We love and pray for our sinful neighbors, and so we love and pray to our God of grace for our sinful country.
I came across a sermon by John Piper that reminded me why we can pray in hope. Here’s the conclusion:
1. Stand in Awe of Christ’s Lordship
Stand in awe of the Lordship of God and his Son Jesus. Paul had said, “I urge you to strive in prayer by the Lord Jesus Christ.” Now we see even more clearly that Jesus is the Lord. He is the Lord over the wills of centurions, and commanders, and mobs, and little boys. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. So stand in awe of your Lord Jesus. Worship him. Trust him. Follow him. And count on him to help you in your longings to see people change.
2. Rejoice That the Spirit Is a Spirit of Love...
Be glad that the Lord of the universe has a Spirit of love. Be glad that that God has both a powerful Son and a loving Spirit. When these two things unite, infinite power and overflowing love, nothing can befall you but what God wills for your good.
3. Do Not Neglect Prayer
Finally, don’t neglect the amazing influence you have in the world for good through prayer. By prayer God calls us to join him in shaping history. By prayer we are to influence the wills of presidents and kings and senators and governors and mayors (1 Timothy 2:1–2). By prayer we are to influence the wills of professors and writers and entertainers and editors and pastors and elders and missionaries. By prayer we are to influence the wills of our friends and our enemies. We are to influence the wills of our children by prayer, and our husbands and wives and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and neighbors and colleagues and fellow students.
The amount of transforming good you can do by prayer is incalculable.
I found the sermon incredibly encouraging. You can read it here.