Herald of Hope - Trumpet Call Newsletter

“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 heal their land.”—2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

The crying need of the hour is for all of us to humble ourselves and fully surrender to God. Only by seeking His will alone, can we pray with confidence. The power of prayer is greater than all military might! Our defense and safety are in knowing the One who holds tomorrow and in knowing that it is He who holds our hand!

This New Year brings many dangers. Storm clouds are gathering on the political horizon; troubles of historical proportions appear imminent. Economic stress and social unrest continue. We are in a cultural war over serious moral issues. The enemy is fighting for our souls and for the soul of our nation. The question is: Will we sell out? Or will we hold on to the faith of our fathers? Is there any hope?

Yes! Our hope is in the Lord! God is challenging us to partner with Him through prayer! In Ezekiel 22:30, God sought for a man who would stand in the gap before Him for the land that He should not destroy it. Surely He is seeking for men today who will intercede for our land. The Bible records many examples of God’s deliverance. Moses pled with God for the people and God heard (Ex. 33). Samuel sacrificed and prayed and God delivered Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 7). Jehoshaphat prayed and sent out worshipers and the enemy destroyed themselves. Yes, nations can be saved through prayer. God is ready to answer our heart cries. But often there are hindrances which delay the answers to our prayers.

Obedience characterizes effective prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Ja. 5:16 ). If we will humble ourselves and pray and turn back to God, then our prayers will be heard. Any unresolved conflict or willful disobedience will hinder prayer, but obedience will put us on praying ground (Mt. 5:23 , 24; Ps. 66:18).

Fasting takes our prayers to a higher level. It can point our hearts toward spiritual things, turning our attention away from the earth. Abstinence from sin is a part of true fasting. Prayer and fasting together can be powerful for answered prayer. Yet, without obedience it can be an offence to God (Lk. 18:9-14). Isaiah tells us of a people who “sought the Lord daily, who delighted to know Him,” they “fasted and afflicted their souls” (Is. 58:12). Yet, God ignored their prayers because they didn’t care for the poor, they mistreated others and they did not keep the Sabbath holy (vs. 4-14). This biblical example is sobering. Fasting is needed but it must also be accompanied by humility and obedience if it is to please the Lord.

If there ever was a time when we should fast and pray for revival and spiritual awakening, it is now! Let us heed the call, but let us choose the fast which God has chosen (v.6) to forsake all evil and to pursue righteousness. Then God may use us to intercede for a lost world.