Your Great Mercy

The next president of the United States may have the opportunity to appoint at least two justices to the Supreme Court. Those appointments will influence our nation for the next generation, well beyond the president's term of office. We already have seen how a single decision can destroy the lives of 40 million babies.

The prophet Daniel understood the long-term effects of Israel's decisions when they ignored God's covenant and commands. Daniel realized that the desolation of Jerusalem would last for seventy years. I can't help but think of where we are as a nation. How long will the desolation of the United States last?

We must confess, as Daniel did, that "we have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws." We have "transgressed your laws and turned away, refusing to obey you."

As others have done, I urge you to fast and pray on Monday, November 3. Because I believe the Word is life, I urge you to pray Daniel's prayer as recorded in Daniel 9:4-19. Confess the sins of our nation. Confess your part in those sins. Plead for the mercy of God on us and the generations to come.

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of YOUR GREAT MERCY. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, heart and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay.