"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and 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 men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

This Biblical “call to arms” has a central place in my own world-view, patriotism and politic. Prayer has the first position in forming me as a Christian citizen. Prayer is the first response I desire to have in matters of national and international significance. I believe prayer is a sacred calling for the followers of Jesus. I believe that those who pray shower blessings upon the people and nations around them—even when their neighbors are indifferent or ignorant of such prayers. Prayer disarms conflict and reaches across divisions and borders. Prayer shapes leaders—even when those prayers are not their own. And I believe prayer saves lives.

Last weekend, we were with David as he faced Goliath. We stood our ground with the Word of God and through the power of Jesus, we slayed giants that stand against us. As we enter a week that celebrates the nation’s independence, I’m moved by a different Biblical call to arms: the call to pray.

While many people pray, many consider it a passive voice. When it comes to addressing one’s problems and challenges, the temptation is to find a way to be heard-- to have a stronger voice. The multiplication of interactive media has allowed everyone to scream, but is anyone really listening? On the eve of a national birthday and with many concerns on the hearts and minds of the people, I’m convinced the strongest voice is a praying voice.

When prayer is placed in the first place, it can be disarming. While there are times to slay the giant, the scripture also cautions us that our true struggle is not against other people. The evil one wants us shouting at one another without listening. God our Father calls for godly people to be praying as the first order of business—especially he calls for a citizenship that prays, “for kings and all those in authority.” Prayer disarms us from attacking one another. Prayer turns the fight over to God and allows us to live peaceful, quiet, godly and holy lives. This pleases God and makes room for the Truth to be voiced! Those who pray put their leaders and nation under God. What can be more important?

I’m also convinced that prayer makes room for us to have a voice. When godly people pray, they surrender themselves and their concerns to the authority of God. Those who pray as the disciples of Jesus, pray with a partner (intercessor) who is a true Righteous-Man. And the Bible says, “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16). Prayer shapes our hearts to be like David, people who are after God’s own heart. Those who pray will find God pursing them, calling them, and opening doors to be his voice in powerful and effective ways.

This weekend we pray with and for the nation. It is no small thing to do. God is calling us to do this very thing—not only on the occasion of a national holiday but as the daily exercise of disciples and citizens throughout this land.

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