“Donald Trump wins US presidency, GOP reclaims Senate majority.” That’s the headline that greeted me as I tumbled out of bed the morning after election day.
A few hours later, I was walking past the waiting room at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis when I heard a news anchor reporting about an abortion referendum that passed. It was a reminder that the culture war rages on in America.
I am sitting on a bench in the hallway of the hospital. My daughter-in-law was the recipient of a kidney transplant recently, and we are here for her follow-up visit.
A few minutes ago, a man of faith came on the intercom to lead in prayer for the patients here at the hospital. It seemed out of place the first time I heard him, but then I remembered that this is Methodist University Hospital.
I wonder how God responded to that gentleman’s prayer. Will surgeries go more smoothly today? Will patients heal faster? I am so thankful that God does hear the true believer’s prayer and always answers in a way that’s best and right.
Perhaps the intercom prayers remind the staff that there is the Great Physician who is the ultimate hope for the patients there. I’m encouraged to imagine that at least some are heartened by the thought that almighty God “helps” as they minister to the needy.
What a hope God brings to situations of every kind at the hospital… or on Capitol Hill.
It seemed like election day would never get here. Many likely prayed more than usual considering all that was at stake.
But now the election is over, and finally, we can get back to business as usual. There is turkey to eat, then Christmas comes. It’s a busy time of the year. It would be easy to just leave America in the hands of the new administration. But of course, we can’t do that.
Consider the possibilities if scores of Christians remain engaged in continual prayer for America. Here’s my starter list of things to pray for:
1. God’s mercy on our land
2. President Trump and his staff
3. And direction for ourselves as we consider the culture war.
Picture an America that is favored because of the continual prayers of God’s people. Who knows what He will do if we commit to regularly bringing our country to His throne of grace?
Will the “land of the free” flourish, as God’s people pray? Will God send another Great Awakening? Will He send hard times to help mold His children more into the likeness of His Son? We don’t know how God will respond to our prayers, but we can be confident that He will do what is best.
