In This Issue• INTRODUCTION
• Prayer Vigil: WEEK FIVE
• The Moral Compass
• Concerning Repentance
• Prayer Points for WEEK FIVE
• In Closing . . .
• NEXT SUNDAY --
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Election Day Prayer Vigil: Praying Through 2 Chronicles 7:14
WEEK FIVE
[This five-part series for an Election Day Prayer Vigil has been developed by Mary Fox Murphy, Founder and President, Christian Women's Outreach, in Stillwater, OK.
In lieu of offerings, Mary is simply asking that we share this prayer strategy with others in our own network of friends. Thank you, Mary!]
A NOTE FROM CHPP:
We have been truly blessed by the TREMENDOUS RESPONSE we have seen to Mary's call for prayers, following the guidelines of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
We join all of you in searching our hearts before our Lord, in advance of the congressional elections on Nov. 2, for it is written that judgment must surely begin in the house of the Lord. (I Peter 4:17)
As we seek His face, we ask Him, indeed, to forgive our sin, and to heal our land. Amen.
INTRODUCTION
Praying Through 2 Chronicles 7:14
By Mary Fox Murphy
In searching the depths of my heart and soul and seeking the Lord, I believe there may be a reason we are not victorious in our pursuit for spiritual change in this nation. I think we all stand right now LOOKING FOR TRUE HOPE AND CHANGE FOR THIS NATION. I sincerely ask you to pray about joining with me in this PRAYER VIGIL.
Blessings, Mary
PRAYER VIGIL:
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 24, 2010
There are numerous prayer initiatives right now. Prayer leaders across the nation are asking you to PRAY FOR THE USA. One of those will be right for you. I am also proposing one to begin Sept. 26 and ending on Sunday, Oct. 24.
If you join with us for the next five weeks, I will send out PRAYER POINTS for each week. This will not be like most of those that are being suggested.
I contend that the Body of Christ must be well (in right standing with the Father) for God to HEAL OUR LAND. Each week the PRAYER POINTS will follow II Chronicles 7:14.
It is my strong belief that God wants His Body in ONE ACCORD AND WELL.
If we do this as a BODY, He will do one of two things.
1. He will either HEAL OUR LAND.
2. Or He will bring His Cleansing to America.
But, if you are His, He will protect you through whatever is in our future.
There is no guarantee that God will heal our land. The sins of this nation may be too raw, too deep, too insidious and too overt for Him to stay His Hand of Judgment. He has ways and means of cleansing a nation's sins. Throughout Biblical history we see when, where, and how God cleanses cultures, nations, and people groups. We are no exception. This may be our last opportunity to make a change in this nation.
If you do not join this prayer initiative, then please join in one of the others to PRAY FOR THE USA.
MAY GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY BE WITH YOU THROUGH THESE VERY PERILOUS SPIRITUAL TIMES AND MAY HE BLESS YOU GREATLY . . .
AND STRENGTHEN YOU TO STAND.
Mary Fox Murphy
The International Prayer Network
prayer@cwoi.org
PLEASE NOTE:
MARY HAS WRITTEN A SEVEN-PAGE DOCUMENT -- TITLED "CHRISTIAN AMERICA, WE HAVE A PROBLEM" -- which is the foundation for this prayer vigil. If you wish to receive this document, send Mary an email at: prayer@cwoi.org
Prayer Vigil: WEEK FIVE
Sunday, Oct. 24 - Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010
Praying Through 2 Chronicles 7:14
2 Chr 7:14 "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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK:
" . . . and turn from their wicked ways. . ." Job 13:23 --
How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression
and my sin.
'Turning from our wicked ways' may be the net which snares each of us in some form or fashion. It is, after all, the "little foxes that spoil the vine" (SOS 2:15.) I pray that there are none in this network who are involved in the major sins, but James tells us in 2:10 that if one stumbles in one point, that person is guilty of all.
It's all about compromise. A little here and a little there adds up to us becoming numb to many of the things that are against the Word of God. Who would have thought that the sexual liberation movement, which was spawned by the Hippies in the 60's, would have morphed into such unbridled, nation-wide, disgusting debauchery in today's world? Bit by bit is all it takes to break down a fortress.
None of us can be innocent because we are creatures of our culture and our culture is becoming more and more corrupt with each passing day. We are accepting things today that five years ago would have been unthinkable.
The church has not been "The Church." This spiritual organism has not exercised a godly influence upon the culture, instead, the church has fallen prey to the influence of the culture-which is now a unruly, ungodly culture. Many churches prefer to be "seeker friendly" in an effort to avoid offending anyone-members or visitors. A watered-down, milk toast, feel-good kind of Gospel is preached. This is PURE COMPROMISE. God is an offense to many and it doesn't bother Him at all. He is not concerned about our feelings or disposition.
He is concerned with our Salvation.
The Moral Compass
During this campaign, we are not hearing much about the moral issues. Very few conservative candidates are running against abortion on demand, the homosexuality issues, and seem to accept the fact that it is OK to lie, cheat, steal and tolerate all sorts of sexual improprieties. In other words, if you want to win an election this year, steer clear of "family values," even though we are called the "Value Voters." It is "the economy, Stupid," which was the mantra for the Clinton era.
The economy is not the subject that God puts first.
He is concerned with our moral values and our behavior.
Where is the outrage over the moral decay of this nation?
As bad as the financial situation is in the country, God is concerned with His Moral Laws. This is where we need to examine ourselves under the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit this week. What are our wicked ways? In light of the Holy Word of God, we need to ask ourselves, "Where do I fall short?"
EXAMINING OURSELVES . . .
In approaching this, a good way to do it is using the measurement of our "thoughts, words, and deeds." They are very telling and very conclusive to who and what we truly are. Our thoughts may be much worse than our deeds, but this is not Godly.
Our undisciplined thoughts can turn into ugly words, Ugly words can become disastrous deeds.
If we look at ourselves this way, it will show us some glaring things. It is time for all of us to find out where we are at fault in the sight of the Lord. If we look at the four Gospels, especially the Sermon on the Mount, all of the disciple's letter, certainly Paul's, and the Ten Commandments, we might see undeniable flaws in ourselves. The Torah will show us some things about ourselves, as well.
If we recognize our failures, change our ways and ask forgiveness for them, I truly believe He will hear our prayers.
We need to ask ourselves some questions:
• What do we really believe? Sounds redundant? Not really. Do we really believe the Bible?
• With whom do we associate? Who do we enjoy being around the most?
• Are we a man-pleaser or a God pleaser-Do we fear man more than God? Double Minded?
• What words are coming out of our mouths? Murmuring, nagging, judging, or cursing?
• Do we enjoy gossip and passing it on making us the center of attention?
• What kind of television do we watch, books do we read, movies do we watch?
• On what is most of our time spent?
• Addictions? Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling, Pornography, Sexual Sins, Gluttony?
• Are there grudges of which we won't let go?
• What about our temperament? Anger, hatred, short temper, strife, greed, causing divisions?
• Are there obvious idols that come before God? Spiritual adultery? Entertainment? Sports?
• Is there is religious spirit in our life? Traditions, Denominational Arrogance, Rituals?
• A controlling spirit-the spirit of Jezebel?
• Where does our money go? (A very tell-tale sign)
• Do we think we are better than others in our spiritual life?
• Are we so self-willed that we cannot yield to God's authority? Prideful?
• How do we dress? As a man or woman of God (modestly) or do we dress like the world?
• Involved in any form of the occult? Horoscopes, Ouija boards, Any kind of hidden wisdom?
• Do we pray for our need or our greed?
• What about the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life?
The questions could go on and on and as you can see, this week it is truly "all about us." Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify the things in your life that are not pleasing to the Lord. We don't have much time left to get ourselves aligned rightly with Him. Just remember. . .
The principles of right and wrong never change. Right is always right and wrong is always wrong. God is always right and He never changes.
(Luke 6:31)
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Concerning Repentance . . .
[An excerpt from a teaching by David Wilkerson]
As we each work through the difficult task of undertaking this moral inventory, we might consider these encouraging words from David Wilkerson:
"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." (Joel 2:12-13)
The word "repenteth" here means God wants to overturn the judgment that must follow sin. Simply put, he doesn't want judgment for us. His desire is that we will mourn over our sins and turn to him to be restored.
The foundation for all victory over sin is to understand that God is tender and full of lovingkindness.
"Thus saith the Lord...let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24) . . . .
Dear saint, here is your victory over every battle. It is to possess this confidence: No matter how grievously you have fallen, you serve a Lord who is ready to forgive. Indeed, he is anxious to heal you. He possesses more lovingkindness toward you than you could ever need.
So, here is your weapon: Cry! Cry out as David did, with all of your heart. Go to the Lord and confess your sin. Appeal to his lovingkindness, saying, "Lord, I know you love me. And I know you are ready to forgive me. I repent before you right now."
At that very moment you are clear with God. It is futile to think you can repay any amount for your sin. God loves you so much that he gave his Son, Jesus, who has already made all payment. Our merciful, loving Advocate is yearning to help and deliver you:
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).
[Source: ''The Lovingkindness of the Lord '' -- excerpt -- by David Wilkerson]
Prayer Points for WEEK FIVE
Gal 5: 19-25 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
FOR OUR THOUGHTS:
1. Pray that we are able to take every ungodly thought captive unto the obedience of Him. (2 Cor. 10:4-6)
2. Pray that our love is concentrated on the things of God and not on the love of money and what it can do for us. Pray that the lusts of life cannot touch us and that we can separate our need from our greed. (I Tim. 6:8-10; Mark 8:34,35)
3. Pray that we are not deceptive or devious, having evil thoughts while putting on a righteous performance. (Luke 11:39)
4. Pray that you can concentrate on renewing your mind and becoming transformed by the Grace and Mercy of God to His service. (Romans 12:2, 3)
5. Pray that our thoughts remain pure and we think on the things prescribed by the Lord. (Phil 4:8 )
FOR OUR WORDS:
1. Pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to guard and tame our tongue in all situations and in every circumstance; (James 3:5-6 ; 2 Peter 2:18)
2. Pray that we can bridle our tongue and speak only good things to our family, our friends and associates. (Psalms 37:30, 31; Proverbs 15:3, 4)
3. Pray that our words are not nagging, judgmental, or abusive to others. (Proverbs 4:24; Jude 1:16, 17)
4. Pray that when we speak, we speak words of encouragement and life to others. (Zech 8:16)
FOR OUR DEEDS:
1. Pray that we live a life befitting a child of God in every way, making no provision for the things of flesh. (Psalms 26:5; Rom. 13:13,14)
2. Pray that you relish being with true Christian believers and turn away from "evil" company, those who would influence you in the ways of the world. (I Cor. 15:33)
3. Pray that you are a peacemaker for God, turning away from arguing and always wanting your own way and thinking that you are always right. Pray that you recognize and honor God's authority in your life. (James 3:16-18; James 1:19)
4. Pray that we can learn to resist temptation in every way, shape, or form. Give us the strength, Lord, to be righteous in our behavior. Pray that we learn to truly walk in the Spirit. (Gal 5:17; Isa 59:2)
5. Pray that we are spiritually separated from the world and that the Holy Spirit will teach us how to love the Lord more than the things of the world. (1 John 2: 15-17; Psalm 32:5)
6. Pray that our lives reflect righteousness to others who are around us. Pray that the light of the Lord rests upon us. (Titus 2:11-13)
Lord, Teach us Your Ways . . . . and forgive us of our sins.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you." (Psalms 32:8, 9)
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
In Closing . . .
Thank you for praying with us this week. I know that the committed prayer of the faithful will avail much And when we have confessed our iniquities And turned from our wicked ways, HE WILL HEAR OUR PRAYERS.
Psalms 32:1, 2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Mary Fox Murphy
The International Prayer Network
prayer@cwoi.org
NEXT SUNDAY -- GOD'S PROMISE!
As we have studied 2 Chronicles 7:14, point by point, and offered our own prayers of repentance to God, He has a promise for us:
"THEN, I will HEAR from heaven, and will FORGIVE Their sin and HEAL THEIR LAND. "
Join us next Sunday, two days before the Election, as we receive this PROMISE from God for our land. Amen.
