There Is Still Time to Return to God

‘One Nation Under God’ is the theme chosen this year for the National Day of Prayer, which is observed today; but it is also a beautiful phrase that is part of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. This pledge is recited by students in school classrooms, at the beginning of sporting events, and during other civic activities. However, when we frame this phrase, ‘One Nation Under God,’ and try to fit it to the events that occur daily around us, we could say that it does not fit the circumstances permeating the atmosphere of this nation. It seems that this nation has moved out from under God’s covering and has turned its back on Him. This action has left us with a sick land, plagued by every kind of spiritual pollution, affecting not only the present generation but also threatening to harm future generations.

The good news is that there is still time to return to God. The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, ‘If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.’ The future of the nation depends on the people of God; it depends on those of us who have come to understand that without God we can do nothing. It is up to us to bend our knees and bow our hearts in humility before God so that He may heal our land. Only prayer breaks the spiritual chains that keep peoples in subjection. It is time to change the world on bended knees. Effective prayer occurs when the heart of God is expressed through our words. Powerful prayer is not a matter of knowing the right words; it is having a heart that serves as a repository for God, open to hearing every whisper and echoing it in our prayers. What is God’s will? That we return to Him in humility; He will forgive our sins, and He will heal our land (nation). Our prayer activates God’s will and releases God’s power to fulfill His purpose among the peoples. Prayer is the channel through which God’s will is brought to the earth. John Wesley said, ‘God will do nothing apart from prayer.’

By faith, we believe that we are still ‘One Nation Under God,’ understanding that we live by faith and not by sight. Believing that God is still in control. Declaring that the people of God are rising up as never before, taking their position and standing in the gap for the nation. Today is a good day to reflect on where our priorities lie when we pray. We must understand that we have come to this place for such a time as this. God has mobilized the Hispanic/Latino people to make a difference in the place where they live. Just as God allowed Queen Esther to come from a distant place to a foreign land to fulfill His purposes, so God has positioned us to intercede in a time of need. We are living in a time of great spiritual need, and only our prayer of repentance, humility, and seeking God can change the circumstances.

Let us pray: Our God and Father, we come before You in humility to ask You to forgive our sins, for turning our backs on You, and for moving out from under Your covering. We want to be once again the nation that was founded on divine principles. We declare that the hearts of the nation’s leaders are in Your hands and that You convict them so that they may turn to You. We pray for every sphere of cultural influence, that Your Holy Spirit may penetrate it and bring the radical changes we need in government, the family, the media, the educational system, businesses, etc.... We decree and declare that this nation is returning to You and that what we publicly declare will become a reality: ‘One Nation Under God,’ with liberty and justice for all. In the Name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.