2 Chronicles 7:14 “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.”
I vividly remember the Vietnam years. Images of protests and riots were splashed across the front pages of newspapers. Television news broadcasts reported the atrocities of war, and Americans were divided regarding our involvement in this overseas “conflict.” The outcry in the United States was unprecedented, and I thought we would not survive as a nation, but we did. I believed surely this type of revolt could not happen again. Unfortunately, I was wrong. It is much worse today than in the 60s and 70s because it is our own leaders who are the instigators of a political anarchy that has once again ignited the flames of rebellion, which burn so intensely that it threatens to destroy the very fabric of our country’s foundation.
Solomon faced similar problems in his reign as the third king of Israel. His people went through periods of unrest and rebellion, turning from the God who had chosen them as His very own. Their rejection of God brought severe judgments to the people, so after Solomon completed the temple’s construction, he prayed to God on behalf of Israel (2 Chronicles 6). God’s response was this recipe for healing and peace.
God’s Recipe for Healing
Ingredients
Humility
Prayer
Seeking God’s face
Turning from wicked ways
Instructions
Take generous portions of the ingredients and combine continuously. Mix with a heart of repentance and an attitude of worship.
Yield
Forgiveness of sins
Healing of land
# of servings
Unlimited for those called by His name
America needs a healthy portion of this recipe! As we pray for our country, its leaders, and its citizens, we have the assurance that God will hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land if we turn from our sin and ask with a penitent heart.
“And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.” – Leviticus 26:6
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What have you discovered in your relationship with God through your prayers?