Praying for Our Nation in 2021 - by Jim Tharp

I Timothy 2:1-8, NKJV

“Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Christians are called upon by God to pray for many things—our homes, our churches, and our governments. On January 20, 2021, millions of Americans witnessed by television or in person the inauguration of Mr. Joe Biden as the 46th President of our United States of America. Please notice in the Scripture above how the Apostle Paul appeals to Christian believers to pray for those in authority: We are to offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and . . . thanks for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

Most Americans realize that our nation has experienced more violence, division, and chaos throughout the last 36 years than we have known since the Civil War. I do not believe we can blame any one political party for all this chaos.

I have been a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 75 years. In 1983, having pastored churches for 43 years, I realized the weakness of the American church. I felt called of the Holy Spirit to travel America and other parts of the world as an evangelist and challenge Christians to take seriously God’s promise in II Chronicles 7:14, NKJV: “If My people who are called My name will 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.”

Our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ poured out the Holy Spirit on the early Church to revive the powerless disciples and other believers. Because they obeyed and fervently prayed for 10 days, there came the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts, chapter 2). Since that first outpouring, God has kept His church alive thorough those who grow hungry to get back to God and begin repenting of sins and praying. 

I want to close this message by urging my readers to seriously consider taking more time each day for prayer. If you are an unbeliever, ask God to forgive your sins, and then place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord; begin living the life of prayer, worship, and studying the Bible—especially the Gospels. Find a church where the Gospel is preached and where you can find fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Grow in grace and power through praying with others and alone. In Matthew, chapter 5, verses 13 and 14, Jesus tells His church “You are the salt of the earth . . ..” and “You are the light of the world . . ..” We are called to be “salt” on earth, so be willing to share with others what this means to you. “Salt” means preservation and power, and “light” symbolizes love and truth.

Closing Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, forgive our sins and help us realize that no man or woman on earth can transform America. But You have laid out Your plan: If Your people called by Your name will humble themselves and pray in the power of the Spirit, meeting Your requirements, You promise to forgive their sins, heal our land, and get us ready for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Oh, help us answer the call before it is too late! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!