The Power of IF

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)

IF is a big word for only two letters. If tells us that a certain condition or conditions will precede a given action or reaction. If introduces us to uncertain possibilities that may exist. If also reminds us that reservations or even restrictions may exist.

Hear God tells Israel one of the most powerful "ifs" in the Bible. It is a story of possibilities that exist for those who are obedient enough to want change. If His people would only:

1. Be humble (accept responsibility)
2. Pray (know to whom they belong)
3. Seek His face (get His attention while not drawing attention to themselves)
4. Turn from their evil ways (admit when they are wrong and are willing to change)

I want to tackle the need for our nation to return to roots of prayer and fasting today, because the "if" here is the best way of refocusing our attention from our economic and world problems and of restoring our focus towards God's saving graces.

I imagine that a lot of people who have lost their jobs are spending more time in prayer than they did before they lost their jobs. I imagine many people who are concerned about the direction our nation is taking and are spending time on their knees attempting to intervene on behalf of our national leaders.

Prayer admits our finite abilities and acknowledges God's infinite abilities and power. Yet beyond praying for our own needs, how can we as a nation focus our prayers in unity?

Today, many people will be focused on the moment President Obama signs this massive "stimulus" bill (their word not mine). I wonder how we are praying for him right now? Are we asking for wisdom and understanding on his behalf? Are we asking for his good health and ability to lead during these difficult times?

Or are we hoping a rock falls from outer-space and disrupts the whole thing? Are we praying against everything he, as president, does?

I use a little levity but with needed care. We are going to see this package signed. Our job as a nation is to pray for how God will use it and us. We need to focus our prayers on God's will and desire for our nation.

For those who believe our founding father's did not believe the Christian faith should not be part of our governing processes: this is the text of President John Adams' March 23, 1798 national Fasting and Prayer proclamation; as printed in the The Phenix/Windham Herald, April 12, 1798.

AS the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him,but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety, without which social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities, the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation, by the unfriendly disposition, conduct and demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow citizens, while engaged in their lawful business on the seas: —Under these considerations it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country, demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants.

I HAVE therefore thought it fit to recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; That the citizens of these states, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the Father of Mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming: That all religious congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before GOD the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation; beseeching him, at the same time, of his infinite Grace, through the Redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offences, and to incline us, by his holy spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction; That it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication, that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate, and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence, and inspired with that vigor and fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished, and by which they have obtained such invaluable advantages: That the health of the inhabitants of our land may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts and manufactures be blessed and prospered: That the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens; and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion, may be speedily extended to all the nations of the earth.

And finally I recommend, that on the said day; the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the bestower of every good gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many and great favours conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.

Given under my hand and seal of the United States of America, at Philadelphia, this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the said States the twenty-second.

JOHN ADAMS

This is just one of many proclamations by presidents and governors and others that ask the people to pray and fast: Wallbuilders

Here is what the Bible says about praying and fasting:

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.Isaiah 58:6-12 (NIV)

I know this is a lot of reading today, so let me leave you with this:

• Prayer and fasting is God's design to help break the chains of injustice
• Prayer and fasting returns our hearts to those who are struggling (some are worse off then we are)
• Prayer and fasting is the best way to restore families and friendships and quell the wrath of enemies
• Prayer and fasting are an act of obedience that touches the heart of God
• Prayer and fasting satisfies the big "IF" and unleashes God's blessing and care

Stimulus or not, God is still the best answer to our nation's problems. I am saddened that we have strayed so far away from Christ to declare days of prayer and fasting and am saddened that President's have become so "politically correct" that even they cannot call on God and make the same proclamations that our Founding Father's had no problem issuing.

Our nation needs a a healing. Would you be willing to join a national day of prayer and fasting?