Tonight I'm joining my Methodists brothers and sisters down the street for a prayer service for our country. I've been asked to pray about the church in America. I plan to read Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in Eph. 3:14-21. Here it is: "14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

I pray that God will answer this prayer for my church and for your church....that's what America needs...more healthy churches, and less "ME churches" like the one advertised in this video:
Instead may we who call ourselves, "Christ-followers," pray for our churches to be more like this...

It's the National Day of Prayer - Pray to be More Loving!!!

It's the National Day of Prayer! Exercise your freedom to pray! Exercise your freedom to obey 1 Timothy 2:1-8: 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the manChrist Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Ouch....I guess I could have left out verse 8, but I didn't because God wants us all to be aware about how much anger and disputing can cripple a person's relationships with Him and with others. It can even cripple a nation's ability to move forward. Make sure you're being the best American you can be by being serious about your walk with Christ. Don't use your precious freedom as an American and as a Christ-follower to just sit there griping and being mad. Do the most important things today (as Christ told us in Matt. 22:34-40):love God and love others, especially those who might not be so easy to love!

Check out this video to remind you as you pray to be thankful for the freedom you have!!!!