Day 4: Pray for Healing and Revival in Our Nation

"If my people who are called by my name 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." -2 Chronicles 7:14

King Solomon had completed building his magnificent temple to be a house for the Lord. Remember all those years that the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness, with a tabernacle, a tent of meeting?These portable worship centers were better than nothing to shield the worshippers of God from the harsh wilderness climate, yet King David would lament the fact that he had a fine home to live in, while the Lord did not have such a house.

David wanted to do something about that but the Lord sent the prophet Samuel to tell him that his son Solomon would be the one who would build the temple, as David’s hands were bloodied from war (2 Samuel 7). So the context of 2 Chronicles 7 has been building for some time. 

Fully knowing Israel’s tendency to turn against Him, The Lord tells Solomon that when He sends judgment on their nation for their future rebellion, which is certain to come, the necessary step is repentance. See 2 Chronicles 7:13-14:

"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people,  if my people who are called by my name 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."

We can observe some principles from these verses:

• The Lord has power over nature and may at times send pestilence, bad weather, and famine to administer judgment upon a nation in rebellion against God.

• Following evil and wicked ways leads to death.

• Repentance and faith leads to forgiveness and blessing.

• The Lord has determined to work through answering the prayers of His people, including extending mercy as a result of repentance.

Father, please turn the hearts of believers in this nation towards You. Turn our hearts towards You in humility and prayer. Help us see with clear eyes that there is no political solution to our nation's moral and spiritual decline. We humble ourselves before You and ask for Your mercy, in Jesus name, amen.

Andy Woodard

Executive Director of CU NY