Dear Pastors and Prayer Warriors,
In conjunction with FRC’s Watchmen on the Wall, Illinois Family Institute is hosting a prayer gathering on September 17th, in Springfield, to pray for our state and nation. The fact that this is an election year only accentuates the urgency of such a gathering.
The prophet Jeremiah told the people of God in Babylon to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:4-7)
The Apostle Paul exhorts us that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Although Christians may feel as though we are in exile in Illinois, and feel as strangers in this wicked culture, our eyes must remained focused on the prize of our ultimate citizenship in heaven. Nevertheless, we have responsibilities in this temporal life and are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. As the people of God, we are to seek what is best for our state and nation. Lives that are filled with peace and quiet (as opposed to chaos and strife), are blessings for all.
We can read the local newspaper, turn on cable news or scroll through our social media news-feed right now and see how divided our nation is in so many ways. Violence, sexual anarchy, idolatry, heresies, treachery, animosity, discord and disunity abound. We are constantly contending with issues that are causing people to drift away from God and embrace the works of the flesh — destroying the foundation of our nation. This drift has been going on for years, but over the past decade it seems to have gained speed.
In response to all this, it’s important that the people of God intentionally set aside time to cry out to Him — privately and corporately. At this meeting, we will gather as Christians from across the state not only to pray for the spiritual and moral healing of our nation, but also for God’s hand of guidance and blessing on our president, governor, mayors and all those in government leadership who are in positions to make change happen.
Proverbs 21:1 tells us that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord. He can turn it however He wants. If we truly believe this, we need to pray.
Please join us as we gather in Jesus name to pray to our Holy Heavenly Father:
Monday, Sept. 17, 2018
10 AM – Noon
Howlett Building Auditorium
501 S. Second St
Springfield, IL
(just south of the Capitol)
Click here to view event flyer
There is no other more beautiful, simple thing we can do for our neighbors than pray. We are going to talk to God. We are going to ask Him to move in us, in our churches, in our communities, and in our state and nation. Please join us if you are able.
Blessings,
David E. Smith
Executive Director
