A Firm Foundation
//Lynette Hagin
Our country was founded upon God—not on any other god, but upon the Lord God Jehovah.
I believe we in the United States of America live in the greatest country on earth. You see, this nation was founded on the words One nation under God. America was an answer to prayer for people who wanted to worship the Lord freely. There was great expectancy as many people from the European nations traveled the waves of the Atlantic to come to a land with freedom of religion.
The Baptists, Quakers, Roman Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Mennonites, Lutherans, Puritans, and many others came. Their goal was to find a place where they could worship God in Spirit and in truth. I'm sure the Lord was pleased by these people who wanted to put Him first in their hearts, as well as in their national affairs.
America's first president, George Washington, inserted the words so help me God into the presidential oath of office at his first inauguration. At a meeting of the Provincial Congress in 1774, Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and many other well-known leaders knelt before the Lord, seeking His blessings on America.
Years later, when the members of the Constitutional Convention spent many days arguing about the organization and wording of America's Constitution,
81-year-old Benjamin Franklin reminded the delegates of those earlier prayers. He was so ill that he had to be carried into the conference hall. But he still stood to address the assembly.
Franklin openly recognized that "God governs in the affairs of men," and he urged his fellow delegates to make time to pray as they had done in the past. Many delegates—led by Washington—did gather for a July Fourth sermon followed by morning prayers. And eventually, Franklin's suggestions were implemented. Two chaplains were appointed—one to the House and one to the Senate—to invoke God's blessings before all sessions.
Notably, the Constitution these delegates finally agreed uponb is the same one we're using today. It was written over 200 years ago, and our nation is still being governed by it. I firmly believe the reason we're still able to use that Constitution is that it was bathed in prayer.
Prayer! What would happen if our present Congress spent time in prayer and fasting before every session? What would happen if we, as believers, would all fast and pray for our country?
We need to realize that the Bible is the cornerstone of our society. Just as Jesus Christ paid a price on the cross for our spiritual freedom, our forefathers paid a price for our natural freedom.
Our country was founded upon God—not on any other god, but upon the Lord God Jehovah. Even our coins say, "In God We Trust." It's absolutely vital for us to carry this principle to the next generation. We must not keep silent, but we must pray day and night until this nation returns to the biblical principles upon which it was founded!
If you don't live in America, you can pray for your own country. God wants every nation to prosper. You can stand in the gap and build a hedge of protection around your country (Ezek. 22:30). How do you begin to do that? Look at Paul's instructions in First Timothy chapter 2.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1–2
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
In his letters, Paul encouraged Timothy on a number of subjects. But here he says, "Your most important assignment is to pray." Specifically, we are to pray for kings—or for our president—and all others who are in authority.
When we pray for those in authority over us, we'll reap tremendous benefits. Our officials sometimes vote on issues we aren't even aware of. So we need to pray continually for our leaders. We can always ask the Holy Spirit to guide them—to give them wisdom in every decision they make.
I'm asking you today to stir yourself up and join me in praying for your nation—whether you live in the United States or in another land. I believe it's time for all of God's people to do our part in prayer. As we take our place, our prayers will be effective. Our prayers will change laws and circumstances and keep us safe!
Learn More
To learn more about praying for our leaders, visit khm.com/8ts7.