Capital Prayer Alert
As you know, my wife, Carol, prepares a prayer alert about once a month. I hope you will share Carol's thoughts with your friends and fellow worshippers. Thank you for taking an interest in her monthly devotion. -- Gary
In recent days the headlines of story after story have focused implementation, or lack thereof, of Obamacare to the always "unexpected" dismal news on the economic recovery to the world at large. Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, Syria. . . the list goes on. One striking thread unites these hot spots: A passive U.S. role in shaping events on the world stage.
From day one the current administration has seemed intent on withdrawal even if that means leaving a vacuum behind (Iraq and Afghanistan), endless talking while our adversaries continue to develop weapons of mass destruction (Iran) and repeated empty threats and "red lines" that are increasingly viewed with skepticism by our enemies (Syria and Ukraine). For years the American public has been focused on lightning fast changes in domestic policy. It now appears that Americans are waking up to the damage that has been done in the eyes of the world community on the watch of this administration.
A Gallup poll released this week captures what is happening. The question was this: "Do you think leaders of other countries around the world have respect for Barack Obama, or do you think they don't have much respect for him?" In 2009, when he first took office, 67% of those polled felt the world's leaders had respect for him and only 20% disagreed. Now, 53% feel world leaders don't have much respect for him and 41% disagree. Interestingly, according to Gallup, "Democrats and independents are mainly responsible for the slide in Obama's ratings."
A simple question illustrates the concern: Is there any region of the world where the United States has more influence today than it did six years ago?
Heavenly Father, this is a time when we turn to you for guidance and help for our country, not knowing what to ask. We know our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and that we have been a beacon of light and freedom in a dark world. Our land of plenty has often answered calls of help when other nations were suffering from famine and natural disasters. We have rebuilt former enemies and welcomed the persecuted to our shores. But our country is losing its moral high ground and seems adrift in a hostile world. As a people we sense this.
Where are the leaders who can give voice to what we feel and turn the ship of state around?
We ask for your mercy and your patience. We pray the words of Romans 8:26-27:
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
Finally, Father God, we ask you to work in the hearts of those in public life who also sense this drift, who recognize the danger and who have been blessed to have a platform from which to speak. Prompt them to see beyond partisan politics and short term political goals, and give voice to the values which can reclaim the banner of American exceptionalism we hold dear.