What can I do?

I’m looking through old journals on a search for musings and prayers from a certain season of life.

I stumbled upon this writing from 2011, dated September 2nd. Apparently I was reflecting on the upcoming commemorative ceremony being planned for the 911 site. There was much controversy and dialogue swirling because no one with any religious affiliation had been invited to speak at the service. The ceremony would be void of all references to God.

According to news articles, there were critical comments made by different Christian groups, although representatives of different churches in the city expressed understanding that the mayor wanted to keep the event brief with focus placed on the families.

I wondered how we shifted from “Pray for America” signs prominently displayed around the country immediately following the bombings,  to “let’s keep the church out of this” a mere 10 years later.

But I also wondered why we had to attempt to criticize our way into something.

Cause if we are praying…

and if praying is what changes things…

then why is it so important that we have someone noticed as praying. 

Especially if, for whatever reason,  they are not really wanted there.

I am all about prayer.

I would think the best thing to do at a memorial for this tragedy would have been to have a prayer service.

But even if no one is invited to pray on a platform, prayer is not inhibited.

It’s just not displayed.

The day I wrote this in my journal, I had taken a walk around the lake. Here is what I wrote:

As I walked, I saw a can…then another can…I thought I should probably pick them up but I didn’t have a bag to put them in.

Then I actually came upon a BAG of cans…in the middle of the road.

I retrieved it and began picking up cans for the remainder of my walk.

In the midst of “life” – what can I do?

I could stand in the road; ranting and raving and protesting against people who litter…or I can carry a bag, humble myself and pick up the cans.

Prayer doesn’t have to be wanted or accepted or appreciated by the culture around us.

But oh…how it is needed.

Christian, pick up your bag…take up your cross…use  your passion and your energy to intercede for this nation.

Time spent in prayer gives us an instructed tongue and wisdom to speak truth rather than engage in foolish arguments.

It is not up to us to convince others to have faith in God.

Trying to convince others that He changes the course of things does not change the course of things.

Human reasoning will not bring about transformation.

It is God who changes things.

It is prayer that changes things.

God works in answer to the prayers of His people.

When the Church truly believes God and acts on that belief, then the world will see…how GREAT is our God <3

What can I do?

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 I will forgive their sin and heal their land.    2 Chronicles 7:14

I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives, in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.    1 Timothy 2:1-4

He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21