A new day is dawning. Breathing deeply I am filled with the presence of God. I have peace like a river.
My heart is replete with thanksgiving as I drink in the beauty of God's creation. "Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Ex. 15:11). You are my God and I will praise you—my trust is in you.
Turning from the serenity of the calm waters of Lake Oconee, I remember that tragic day, September 11, 2001, when our lives were changed forever.
Terrifying events crashed into our normal daily routines robbing us of our national security. Silently, with heavy hearts, we sat before our televisions viewing repeats of that terrible moment in history.
Terrorists who believed in a religion of hatred became our judge, jury and executor. Over the next few months we listened for the latest developments in our country, Afghanistan and other nations. It was a dreadful day, but a day when our nation faced fear with faith, and the call to prayer was proclaimed, and heard by fellow Americans. President Bush declared war against terrorism and it is still a work in progress.
During a time of war everyone is needed—everyone can contribute. We who stay at home can pray—standing shoulder to shoulder in orderly array, clothed in God's armor, praying with all manner of prayer and entreaty. It is not the time to turn coward give up or lose heart; we are a people of prayer.
United in Prayer
In those first few weeks after the attack by terrorists on the United States, our churches were crowded and prayer groups flourished; we were a people united in prayer. Publicly we sang with one voice, "God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her...."
The people of the world prayed for America. A pastor in Kenya called an all night prayer meeting to pray for our president and our country. Another pastor from Kampala, Uganda, sent an email to friends. He wrote, "This week I have been in prayer and fasting and of course America was included in my prayers. The reasons I pray for USA are: 1) USA are peace makers, 2) This battle could turn out to be a battle between the children of Hagar and Sarai."
He revealed how God spoke to him from Psalm 64 when he said, "This battle will be won on our knees. I would encourage you to stay united in prayer for USA. God will bring something good out of this mess."
From many lands they sent us assurance—they were praying for our president and his cabinet—asking God to help us in our time of need.
Christians from around the world continue to pray for America. Let us not forget! Let us not turn coward and lose heart!
It is my prayer that the army of the Lord will remain in united prayer, a powerful weapon that has and will defeat the plans of those opposed to freedom and righteousness. We who are called by the name of our God must respond as watchmen on the wall, remain alert, watching and praying. We were chosen for such a time as this.
United in prayer we stand declaring Jesus is Lord over the United States of America. We stand for freedom, goodness, mercy and justice, and against the terrorist network—Satan's instruments of destruction. United in prayer we stand counting it all joy—the joy of the Lord is our strength, displacing fear and depression. United in prayer we stand, offering prayers with thanksgiving to the Father.
"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations (terrorists) to naught; He makes the thoughts and the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations" (Ps. 33:10-11).
United in prayer we stand!
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we praise you and offer up thanksgiving because the day of the Lord is near—Jesus is coming soon. Therefore, we will not fret or have any anxiety about the terrorism that is threatening the lives of those stationed on foreign soil, and we who are at home. In this circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition [definite requests] with thanksgiving we continue to make our wants known to You. We ask that terrorism be stopped before it spreads to other cities around the world.
We purpose not to be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow [the evil plots and slanders of the wicked] that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. We are established on righteousness in conformity with Your will and order. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers