photo #8824524

God is promising the people of Judah that the Lord will take care of them and not to trust human leaders to protect them. The people don’t listen and form alliances that lead to war and devastation and eventual exile. God keeps trying to tell us the same thing. We need to trust in him. We depend on our leaders to keep us safe. How often do we think of praying for them? How often do we pray for our country, our city, our neighborhoods? God listens to us and he answers. Sometimes we don’t understand the answer because we are asking for the wrong thing. Do we pray that our leaders do what we want them to do, or do we pray that they listen to God and do his will? Do our actions support our prayers?For example, do we vote for candidates who do our will, or do God’s will? Do we support programs that promote justice for all? In our workplace do we treat everyone with dignity? Do we do the same in our neighborhoods? Do we pray for those we consider to be enemies? We may not understand the viewpoints of other people, or cultures, but do we pray that they, too, listen to the voice of God and follow his will for them?Last year, twelve young boys and their young coach were trapped in a cave in Thailand. Every news cast showed people all over the world praying for their rescue. It made no difference what language they prayed in, or what religion they professed, everyone was praying. It took time and the efforts of many people from many countries working together to remove water from the cave, to get food and oxygen to the boys and they were finally rescued. The following day, the pumps broke and the water rushed in and the cave filled. We prayed, God listened, the boys lived. When we pray, he hears and answers. The question is, are we praying?Prayer: Gracious God, you are always there for us, all we need to do is reach out in faith and trust, pray and know that you are listening. Thank you. Amen.