Pray For The Nation

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DAILY VITAMIN
- Pray For The Nation
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper." (Psalm 122:6 TLB)
   When the scriptures tell us to pray for our Jerusalem, it's beyond just our homeland; it is where we reside. Where a man stays is his refuge- be it a strange land or on familiar ground. However, we are told to pray for our place of residence because its peace can influence ours as well.
   Even though it is not about where we stay but the God who keeps us, God counts it wise to have us stand as watchmen for our various cities of residence. He has called us to stand in gap in prayer and good deeds for the betterment of our present abode.
    For instance, when the people of Judah were being exiled to Babylon, He told them to "pray for her, for if Babylon has peace, so will you" (Jeremiah 29:7 TLB). He then went ahead to tell them that it is the greatest way to return back to their homeland with much prosperity (v.10-14). Remember, while they were still in Jerusalem, He had instructed them to pray for the city each day until it reached its full potential (Isaiah 62:6-7).
     Many of us don't understand why God would demand that we pray for our residential territory for our personal prosperity; but we would if we understood how agriculture works. No matter how viable a seed is, it might not grow as it should unless the soil is fertile. In the same way, we are the seeds and where God has placed us for now is the soil. God will send His rain (blessing) upon us, but most times the circumstances of the soil can hinder the expression of its effect on the seed.
      Hence, no matter where you find yourself now, don't assume you can't make it there. David said that you can if you'd pray for the prosperity of the city also. And so rather than fret and whine, pray for the fertility of your present soil so as to keep your goal to thrive unhindered. Remember, a blessing on a city is a blessing on its people. So, pray!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I commit this nation where I live, this city where I am, and even this street I dwell within into your hands. I ask that You bless it and its people. I ask that You take away the bitter waters that run through it, and replace it with the sweetness of your grace. Let there be peace, calm and unscathed prosperity all around it. And may my presence here be marked with greatness, in Jesus' Name. Amen

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