A Call to Action

In reflecting upon the fall of the Roman Empire and the numerous empires and countries which have risen and fallen during the history of the human race, like maybe the British Empire, I am stuck by the similarities.

Among them greed, corruption, and selfishness.

Sadly, I worry that we, the greatest force for democracy that the world has ever witnessed, are experiencing the same thing. We have become besieged with special interest groups who define their entire existence upon one limited issue. Their unwillingness to compromise for the greater good of the country is carving a path to destruction and clouding the true mission and purpose for our nation and our society.

It is time for "We the People" to take action! We must let our representatives and leaders know that we are here, we are watching, and that we demand action!

Here is what I propose: Pray.

Yup. Pray. 

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul instructs: First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. -- NET Bible

Don't know what to pray? 

Try this:

Father in Heaven, I bring before you the leaders of our nation. We are facing troubling and difficult times and I ask You to provide our leaders with the wisdom and understanding they need to lead our nation. Help them to seek your will. Guide them and us through these difficult and stressful times and help this country fulfill the mission that you have laid our for us in this world. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen

Note: instead of just saying "our leaders" you may want to substitute the names of the leaders: President Obama, Speaker Boehner, and your senators and representatives (in my case Barbara Mikulski, Ben Cardin, John Sarbanes)

Don't stop there!

Now write an email (it's faster) to each of the members of Congress and the Executive Branch that you prayed for. Use their web sites because they are all under limited staffing during the shutdown. You can find a listing of their names and addresses at the Contacting Congress website. Let them know that you prayed for them and that you are urging them to seek God's will for this great nation during this difficult time. 

Here is what I wrote in my email though their websites:

I prayed for you this morning. May you seek and find God's will for this nation during these troubling times.

Try it!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD