STANDING IN THE GAP FOR YOUR NATION

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."~ Ezekiel 22:30-31. 

 Can you feel the sadness in this verse? The sadness that not one person could be found in Israel that would pray for them and "stand in the gap" before God that He would spare them of His wrath over the wrong doings of their leaders and priests.
Our nation is sinking fast in it's selfishness and sins. Are you "standing in the gap" before God for our nation? Are you praying for our leaders and those in authority over us? 1 Timothy 2:1-4 tells us that we are to pray for them: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
Did you notice that, along with the supplications (which are humble prayers, entreaties, or petitions), prayers and intercessions (which are prayers on behalf of someone), we are told to give thanks for all men, including kings (or in our country, the president) and ALL that are in authority. This is such a hard thing to do, especially if you don't agree with their actions and behavior. But, we are commanded to do so. When we do so, it is good and acceptable in the sight of God. He is pleased that we are following what He tells us to do.
How are we to pray for our leaders, our bosses, our supervisors, etc? First of all, God wants all people to be brought unto the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, so we are to pray for their salvation. We also need to pray for decisions that they will be making.
Today, let's start praying, as we are commanded, for those in charge over us. Let us be the ones who will make up that hedge and stand in the gap for our nation!
Blessings!
Beth :-)