Prayer: The Greatest Form of 'Free Speech'
Dave Faust
Christ is the ultimate in homeland security. He's the courage in a soldier's heart, the comfort of a grieving family, and the hope of all nations.
He is the giver of freedom, the forgiver of sin, the protector of children, and the encourager of the old. He is the rising sun of hope after the dark night of despair.
He is the avenger of wrong, the guardian of right, and the healer of the broken. He is the Savior of all who come to him, the helper of all who lean on him, the friend of all who depend on him.
Prayer is the ultimate act of free speech. The Creator of the universe invites us to speak freely and honestly with him, and it's a toll-free call. We're free to pour out our hearts—even free to offer "prayers of complaint," as Moses, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and others did. As followers of Christ living in a free land, we must do more than merely debate the pros and cons of different political positions. We must pray, and pray hard.
I don't know how to resolve complicated international issues, but I can offer "requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving" for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1). I can pray for soldiers who lay their lives on the line and for families who await their homecomings filled with pride and concern.
I do not understand all the inner-workings of government, but I can pray "for kings and all those in authority"—that they will act with wisdom and righteousness (v. 2).
I realize that the gray clouds of 9/11 and the threat of terrorism still hover over us. But the Lord calls us to live by faith, not to wallow in fear and frustration. So I will pray for the fulfillment of God's desire "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (v. 2).
I don't know how to untangle the complex problems sin has brought to this world, but I know that God "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (vv. 3, 4). So I will pray that current events ultimately will open doors for more people to hear and believe the gospel of Christ.
I don't know how to ease the pain of those whose loved ones suffer injury or death from terrorist acts or from military conflicts, but I know that "there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (v. 5). He is the resurrection and the life. Because of him, there's always comfort and hope.
I can't change the hearts of those who hate our way of life and resist even the concept of religious freedom, and I understand how difficult it is to penetrate Islamic countries with the gospel. But I believe that Jesus "gave himself as a ransom for all men" (v. 6), and that he sends men and women to teach "the truth faith" to the nations (v. 7). So I will support missionaries with my dollars and with my prayers, and let my Muslim neighbors see a positive side of Christian faith.
I can't fix all of our world's problems, but I know that God wants Christians "everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing" (v. 8). Until I have prayed, I haven't done my part. But when I have prayed, I will trust God to do his part.
In times of danger and safety, in conflict and in peace, when we feel secure and when we feel afraid, he is God, and he is faithful. No matter what happens, we can rely on him.
This column first appeared in The Lookout on May 25, 2003.
Prayer Still Changes Things
In my files is a Newsweek cover story called "Talking to God: An Intimate Look at the Way We Pray." It cites a study showing that 78 percent of all Americans pray at least once a week. Even among the 15 percent of Americans who consider themselves atheists or agnostics, nearly one in five still prays daily. (I can't help but wonder, to whom?)
Prayer Warriors from the Past
Throughout the centuries, God's people have recognized the importance of prayer.