Desperate Times Require Desperate Prayers

I attended the National Prayer Breakfast and related gatherings in Washington, D.C. this week. I heard from U.S. Representatives and Senators from both major parties. I joined with others in praying for them, our nation, and the world. The leaders in Congress shared of how chaotic and desperate the times are. There is such turmoil in policy and procedure, as well as the factionalism and hostilities that blanket Washington, the country, and the world. These are desperate times.

The breakfast itself was co-led by two U. S. Senators, a Democrat and a Republican. Senate Chaplain Barry Black gave a powerful and moving keynote address (which can be found here). President Trump who also spoke appeared to be moved by the address. In fact, he declared to Chaplain Black that his appointment would extend another year. Later, we found out that such appointments come from the Senate, not the President. The Breakfast’s presiding Democratic Senator Chris Coons said near the close of the gathering that the Chaplain was not simply appointed, but anointed. So true. At the close, Senator Coons and his counterpart Republican Senator John Boozman prayed for President Trump. They called on the Almighty to guide the President in grace and humility.

Their bipartisanship was an encouraging and hopeful sign that we might be able to move beyond the poisonous rancor. But one prayer breakfast in our nation’s Capitol won’t be sufficient. We must plead with the Almighty to lead our leaders in grace and humility. We should implore God to lead us in grace and humility, too.

The King of kings and Lord of lords does not owe the United States and the globe anything. Grace itself is always a gift, never an obligation. And if we think God is obligated to lead us to be humble, it reflects arrogance. God may so choose in such circumstances to give us humility by breaking us.

Desperate times require desperate prayers. May we humble ourselves and pray that God would guide us in righteousness, justice, and peace. May God mercifully grant us gracious and humble spirits. If we close ourselves off in pride and arrogance from those in need of grace–especially the poor and marginalized, who is to say that God won’t judge our nation?

Much is made of America as a blessed and chosen nation. Even if it is true that God has shed his grace on us, like “America the Beautiful” declares, it does not mean that our election is one of perpetual peace and prosperity. Here we can learn a great deal from the book of Micah, which also speaks of the need for grace and humility. Here is what one source says of Micah, election and needed repentance on the part of the nation Micah served:

Like Is 1–39, the Book of Micah is focused on Jerusalem, Zion, and the Judean leadership. The Micah who speaks in this prophetic book knows the tradition that Zion is the Lord’s chosen place, but he is critical of the popular view that this election ensures the city’s security (2:6–13; 3:9–12). Through the prophetic voice, the Lord announces the impending punishment of God’s people by means of military defeat and exile because of their failure to establish justice. After that punishment God will bring the people back to their land and establish perpetual peace. The will of God for human beings is that they do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with God (6:8).

Just as God spoke to the leaders and people of Zion, so God speaks to us today:

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

(Micah 6:8 ESV).

May we pray desperately in these desperate times that God would lead us into justice, kindness, grace, and humility.