And then, pray some more.

Everyday it seems we hear news of some great new evil or tragedy. Shootings, murders, natural disasters, insane policies and proposals that run counter to everything that is good or wise. The list is very long, and seems to grow longer each day. It can be overwhelming and leave you feeling defeated. It can make you want to tune out, drop out, and wait for the end... but that's not God's plan for us, is it? No, it's not. It's not His way to give in to defeat. Jesus is the one who defeated all evil on the Cross. So what can we do when we feel so small?

Pray. Pray everyday. And then pray some more.

Always keep in mind what it says in James 5:16-18 --"16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." Your prayers WILL BE effective, but I know that sometimes it seems like hard work. Guess what? You're in good company. The Apostle Paul said the same thing in his ministry in Galatians 4:19 "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..." Also Colossians 4:12, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."   Also Nehemiah 1:4 (when the news of the day was all bad), "So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

There are many other examples in the Bible, but I'm sure you get my point. The fact is, your prayers can change the world. So never give up. But where do we start? The Bible gives us several things to always pray.   Paul says in 1 Timothy 2, "1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." So yes, let's pray for President Trump, but not just him. Pray for the Congress, pray for the governor of your state, your state legislature, your city council or county board, the school board (that's a huge one these days!), the mayor. These are people we should be praying for "first of all" so that we can have a peaceful life and society.

Another one to pray for is Israel and Jerusalem. When you pray for Israel and Jerusalem you are really praying for the return of Christ to this earth because Jerusalem will be a hotly contested city until He comes back. But without our prayers for this, we may delay His return, in my opinion. As it says in Revelation 22: 20, "20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"   Pray from Psalm 122:6-9, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.” 8 For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” 9 Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good."   Also Isaiah 62:6-7, "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, 7 And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."   Also, obviously use the Lord's prayer as a guide, and use it as a way to focus your prayers. Matthew 6:9-13, "9 In this manner, therefore, pray: 'Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."  

There are many other examples in the Bible that could be given. These are just a reminder of things for us to focus on. Don't give up! You really can change the world through your prayers.  
I leave you with one final encouragement, because we do live in dark times.  Isaiah 60:1-2. "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you."  

Keep praying because the Lord's glory will be seen!  

God bless you.

Elder Eddie Exline