As we celebrate the 4th of July, we now find ourselves in the same position as our founding fathers when this nation was first established.
They were fighting to remove the tyrannical foot of England off their necks as they labored to create a government in which the lust for power and control would not be repeated.
They understood that men can be evil. We are in that same fight to remove the tyrannical rule of evil and godless men from off our nation.
America was birthed from the fight for freedom of religion and against that tyranny. We need a rebirth in this fight against tyranny.
Before this week’s prayer, I want to share some of what the founding fathers said back then which is wisdom meant to protect us now. Our Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Most of us are very familiar with that quote, but here is what follows:
“That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. (That is us!) That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.
Did you get that? It is our right AND OUR DUTY, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for our future security. And with that in mind we pray this week for our nation and for our cities:
Father God, We cry out to you for America, this land that you love. You see that we have been taken over by a tyrannical government that no longer abides by our Constitution. Everywhere we look we see corrupt leaders and justices who do not fear God nor honor the people they are to serve.
According to Your Word, godly rulers who are put in place by You, “Hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.” That is not the case in our nation. Those who do right are in fear of judgement, while those who do wrong walk free to terrorize and commit evil. Lord deliver us!
This nation was established to ensure that freedom and power were left in the hands of the people. The only thing that can take that from us is if we acquiesce the authority already given to us both Constitutionally and spiritually. Adam and Eve gave up their authority. May we not give up ours. Forgive us where we have allowed evil to overtake our freedoms, especially our ability to worship and assemble together. We ask for mercy to help us re-establish the freedom and rights afforded us in our Constitution. Please restore that which has been stolen. Show us what we need to do and give us courage to do it.
Lord, we know that you love America and that the very fabric of our nation was established in reverence to You. In recent years, we heard past presidents deny that we are a Christian nation. May their lies be exposed and fall to the ground. We uproot their evil proclamation and declare what has always been true, America IS a Christian nation and we honor You. May a holy fear of the Lord overtake every citizen and may Your glory be poured out.
We pray for mercy Lord upon our country. Individuals who have given themselves to evil are now making decisions to turn our country and its citizens against You. In their arrogance they no longer honor You or serve the people. Lord we cry out to You for help. Deliver us from evil. Deliver America from their hands who seek to destroy her, steal our freedom, silence the Truth and prevent the gospel from going forth. You said You would go before us and You would be our rearguard. Just as you delivered the children of Israel, we ask that you would deliver us.
Lord we take up the declaration of Pastor Samuel West from 1776 and declare that it is “Our obligation to promote the public good and oppose every exertion of arbitrary power that is injurious to the state and does not submit to good and wholesome laws. No man, therefore, can be a good member of the community that is not as zealous to oppose tyranny… A slavish submission to tyranny is a proof of a very sordid and base mind.” (my paraphrase)
We ask that you forgive us where we have submitted to tyranny and reverted to a sordid and base mind.
Lord, You see their demand for “slavish submission.” You also see where some Christians demand it as well who believe we are to submit to this ungodly authority. Holy Spirit, shine your light on the Word of God so all will understand that we have never been called to submit to authorities that deny You. Father, we resist the tyranny that would try to silence the Gospel and remove You from our land.
Your Word says that You will restore our judges as at the first, and our counselors as at the beginning so that America and (city name) can return to You. We declare that we will once again be called a city of righteousness.
Why do the nations rage and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against You Lord. We ask that You would grant us boldness to ignore their threats and to preach Your Word with signs and wonders follow so that revival will come not only to America but flood the globe with the glory of God.
Is 4:26, Romans 13:1-2, Matt 6:13, Is 29:24, Jer 30:20-21, Ps 2:1-2