These verses are well known to Christian conservatives as it pertains to politics and public policy. Often, we apply them to various legislative proposals and to the various positions candidates hold. But do we realize that these verses are actually reflective of the faithfulness of we the people to Almighty God?

If we, as a people, are following God and His ways; if we acknowledge God as Lord, our state and nation will be blessed and exalted. If sin and idolatry permeate our culture, we cannot expect God’s blessings.

There is a simple formula in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that fleshes this out for us in four simple steps: 1.) humble ourselves; 2.) pray; 3.) seek God; and 4.) turn from wickedness.

Jesus tells us that, “If you love Me, keep My Commandments.” ( John 14:15) Obviously, if we are to love God, we must know what He  requires. That compels us to study His Word so that we, like David, can say, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). Similarly, we read in Psalm 119:97, “Oh, how I love Your law; it is my meditation all the day.”

The love for God’s righteous law comes from the inside. For “out of the heart” come righteousness and unrighteousness (Matthew 15:19; see also Proverbs 3:1, 4:21, 23). The Pharisees rigorously kept certain parts of law, but it was for their own pride and self-aggrandizement. The Law was extremely important to them, but for the wrong reasons. (Mark 7:20-23.)

We invite you to lift the following requests before the Lord frequently during the month of January, 2024:

• That the Lord would bring a Christian revival to Springfield, leading many women and men in high leadership roles to become followers of Jesus Christ and to submit their both their lives and their political positions to His authority;

• That the Lord would frustrate the efforts of organizations and groups that seek to pass evil laws in Illinois, causing their schemes to fail;

• That the Lord would bring together new allies to stand for truth and righteousness in Springfield;

• That God would raise up bold leaders in our churches who will not shrink back from engaging our culture for Christ;

• That Christians would use wisdom and discernment to understand the issues and be motivated to vote their biblical values;

• That the U.S. Supreme Court would understand the harms of chemical abortions;

• That the Lord would dismantle any efforts to further expand access to abortion in Illinois and throughout the United States;

• That the Lord would expose the sex education agenda in our government schools as wicked and unbiblical;

• That the Lord would bless the pregnancy resource centers that are serving various communities in Illinois and throughout the nation;

• That God would use Christian leaders and activists to spread the Gospel message to those who need hope and healing; that these new converts to Christ be discipled in the Word of God; that their faith would strengthen; that these changed lives would produce sweet fruit and influence family, friends and others for the glory of the Lord;

• That God would use His Church to uphold the truth about the sanctity of human life and the blessings of children;

• That enough federal lawmakers will demand that we secure our nation’s borders and end the immigration crisis; and

• That God would expose the plans of the enemy and the lies that seek to divide us by race and ethnicity and fuel a spirit of hate.

Here are some additional prayer guidance in the days ahead, and as we strive to give thanks to Almighty God and to rejoice in Him always (Psalm 107:1; Philippians 4:4):

Praise and Thank God

Despite the stress and hustle of everyday life and a plethora of distractions around us, it is important to be intentional about counting our blessings. This includes the time and place we live, our family, friends, church and freedoms we enjoy regularly. And how about thanking God for this hope:

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we ^[a]may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ~Hebrews 12:28

Moreover, we know that the Word of God declares that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:7). Therefore, we should be a people of eternal gratitude and joy, knowing that His blessings are not just material but spiritual, fostering love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and bringing wisdom and peace that surpasses understanding.

Please Pray

• • FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY: Continue to pray for the new Speaker of the U.S. House, Michael Johnson (R-Louisiana), a bold Christian who loves God, loves his family, loves the U.S. Constitution and teaches it regularly in local churches around Louisiana, and who worked for Alliance Defending Freedom for years defending religious liberty.

Additionally, for the next several weeks, please pray for the political leaders listed below. Of course, this includes praying for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and those who serve in their administration.

• • • U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
    • U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri)
    • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)
    • U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois)
    • U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-Florida)
    • U.S. Representative Josh Brecheen (R-Oklahoma)
    • U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois)
    • State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago)
    • State Senator Win Stoller (R-Dixon)
    • State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana)
    • State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville)
    • YOUR local County Board Members
    • Pray that god fearing candidates would be successful running their campaigns for the primary election on March 19, 2024.

“Faith does not eliminate questions.
But faith knows where to take them.”
~Elisabeth Elliot~