Division of a Nation & Urgency of Prayer!

I travel hundreds of miles across the state of Indiana and I am always amazed by the incredible experience of prayer with so many pastors of all backgrounds. I attend on average about 17 minister groups a month and enjoy the wonderful fellowship of each of these groups that I attend. 

Something is definitely happening that is a defining experience in our culture today. We are all experiencing various degrees of stress as we see more issues of division, especially during an Presidential election year.

Division is tearing our nation apart as extremes are being played out through media channels of all kinds. We are seeing plenary of political division and it seems to be even more extreme. There is so much strife on every corner. The American landscape is looking very grim.

No matter the extraordinary times that we live, I believe that there has never been a greeter opportunity to witness of our faith in Jesus then right now. Just look around, nearly everyone agrees that these are extraordinary times. Fear and bitterness, rage and anger are only a few of the raw emotions that we see today. Ask anyone and you will see that it is very apparent that our culture is in conflict. Nevertheless, we have a message of hope and peace that is in sharp contrast to what we see lived out in our world today.

I’ve attend many prayer groups especially this election day and I’m hearing common themes of those who are praying. Whether it’s sin scriptures that they recite our prayers that they pray, a theme of urgency is on their lips. It seems as though the church is drawing closer to God in prayer and then ever before. At least in my lifetime, I have grown increasingly impressed with the response of the Christian church in times of great peril and unrest.

Could it be that division that we are seeing is causing the church to be united in prayer? Could it be that God is bringing about revival in the midst of great conflict? Could it be that not only during an election cycle but throughout our culture we are seen a seismic shift in the fervor an interest of the church to pray?

I am encouraged by the church! I am excited to see that the church is not complacent but demonstrating great faith as it comes together, whether by a remnant or in mass to see a great awakening. We are taught that we should be humble and during uncertain times we certainly can be fearful. But we are also taught to proclaim boldly because of the incredible hope that we have through Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 3:12)

My point today? In the midst of division, I think that God is calling His church to fervent and urgent prayer! Perhaps this is a sign of revival?