Open Heart Surgery

‘“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
– Psalm‬ ‭139:23-24‬, NIV‬‬.

Monday, February 27, 2023

You will agree with me that these are trying times in our nation, Nigeria. Lawlessness, injustice, killings, robbery, fraud, and corruption have held us down.

So much gloom but desperate times call for tough actions.

If you are indeed a student of the scriptures, you will agree that whenever there is a crisis in the land, the onus falls on the church to pray on behalf of the land.

But if we regard iniquity in our hearts, God will not hear us. We need to rend our hearts on behalf of the nation because if we don’t share the blame, we will be living in denial.

When the world becomes sour, the salt of the earth will have to answer and intervene.

Here is what God said in 2 Chronicles 7:13-18 (paraphrased)

If I ever shut off the supply of rain (blessings) from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops (recession) or send a plague (death, killings) on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.

From now on I’m alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place. Believe me, I’ve chosen and sanctified this Temple that you have built: My Name is stamped on it forever; my eyes are on it and my heart in it always.

As for you, if you live in my presence…, pure in heart and action, living the life I’ve set out for you, attentively obedient to my guidance and judgments, then I’ll back your kingly rule…

Psalm 103:7 says “He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:” 

Beloved, let us take up the burden of prayer by first confessing and repenting of our sins individually and as the church, Christ’s body in Nigeria.

Ask God for forgiveness so His mercy can prevail over us and the nation.

LET US PRAY:

Dear Heavenly Father, we are sorry. We have elevated our personal gain and agenda above your divine mandate.

We have left your work undone while we build our personal empires, seeking money and fame. I ask for your forgiveness for myself and the church in Nigeria. 
If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people, have mercy on us, break and destroy the yokes of oppression in the land. Judge the wicked and cause justice and peace to reign.

Reveal your ways to me and in me. Cause the heavens to be open over me and my household. Make your deeds known to your people.

In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

(Kindly share with someone today)