In the academic arena, teacher-led prayer was eliminated from America's public school system in 1962. In 1963, teachers were prohibited from teaching Bible lessons, and the teaching of the Bible's version of the creation of the universe was banned in 1980.
Concerning pro-homosexual legislation, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that state laws against sodomy were unconstitutional, while Vermont's same-sex "civil unions" are now recognized as legal unions.
These rulings are clearly demonically influenced and undermine the moral fabric of the U.S. I say this because our founding fathers were overwhelmingly in favor of building America on the foundation of God's Word.
The key to defeating this apparent moral landslide is to pray for a shift toward righteousness in our government. We must root out wicked men and women who rule against godly principles.
People in places of leadership rule according to their beliefs and experiences; therefore, if they don't fear God, they will rule by the dictates of their flesh. God wants men who revere Him to rule in these last days (Ex. 18:21), and as we pray and intercede for them, righteousness will be restored.
Isaiah 1:26 says, "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city."
Bow Your Heart, Not Just Your Head
As we pray for those in authority in our nation, God will hear us and cause a great healing to take place in the land.
Second Chronicles 7:14 states, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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."
Unfortunately, apathy on the part of believers where prayer for our nation is concerned has greatly contributed to the moral decay of this country. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
As Christians, we must repent for disobedience when it comes to praying for our nations leaders (Dan. 9:3-19).
Prayer Simplified
Let's examine the three types of prayers the Word admonishes us to pray. Prayer is simply "communicating to God based on His Word." In prayer, you must believe and receive the promises found in the Bible.
When it comes to politics and government, you must believe that you have received a quiet and peaceful life. Believe God for upright men and women to be placed in leadership positions.
We are instructed to offer supplication, or "prayers that seek, ask and entreat God," for those in authority.
Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
This is the prayer that changes specific circumstances that affect our nation, such as the removal of God and His Word from public or governmental affairs.
We are also instructed to intercede for our leaders, or "entreat favor for or petition God on behalf of another." During intercession, spiritual power is released that supersedes any evil influences that may have a person bound.
James 5:16 (AMP) says, "...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]."
Prayer is a mighty weapon that will pull down every stronghold of wickedness assailing our country, including demonically influenced rulings and laws.
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