During one of the darkest hours of US history, General Robert E. Lee said, "Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon and supreme call for all Christians today, I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. Believing that prayer is the greatest contribution that our people can make in this critical hour, I humbly urge that we take time to pray -- to really pray. Let there be prayer at sunup, at noonday, at sundown, at midnight..."
In the midst of the darkness of our day a light is shining in Australia. We have leaders across our nation calling our nation to pray: to honour God, offer thanksgiving, seek safety, ask for forgiveness, and rely on God for all that we need. In many ways Christians are heeding the words which the LORD God spoke to Solomon: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Australian Christian Lobby(ACL), in addition to advocating for Christian truth in Australia, is calling Christians everywhere to pray. One of their prayer directives is "that Christians will be activated and vigilant at this time. Give thanks for the permanent, growing grassroots movement in Australia putting feet to their faith and being salt and light. Pray that much ungodliness would be stopped. Pray for righteous government. Pray that many hearts would be touched." They produce regular prayer guides. The current prayer guide (May-June 2020) can be uploaded below.
Another prayer movement is the Canberra Declaration. In addition to promoting the protection of Christian values such as FREEDOM - FAMILY - FAITH - LIFE, the Canberra Declaration urges Australians to pray for our nation. This prayer initiative began in the lead up to the previous national election, but continues to encourage Christians in Australia to fast weekly and pray continually. As they note: "Prayer is powerful. Billy Graham said, “To get nation’s back on their feet, they must first get down on their knees”." One of their prayer points is for the gospel: Father, we pray for an evangelism explosion across the nation of Australia. We pray for a renewal of gospel preaching and that you would send workers into the harvest. We declare that we are not ashamed of the gospel. Use us to fulfil the Great Commission." Their prayer guide can be uploaded below.
As CRCA churches we are committed to make prayer our number one task. We call believers everywhere "to call upon God for such an outpouring of his Spirit that his people will be assured of his love through his Word, seek to please the Saviour in all things, manifest the godly life and be filled with prayerful and sacrificial compassion for the lost in all the world." May we join Christians across Australia on our knees. And may our gracious Lord hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. In these uncertain days in the midst of a global pandemic, for our nation to get back on its feet again, may we as followers of Jesus get on our knees!
 ACL Prayer Guide |
| Canberra Declaration Prayer Points |
