Pray and Watch (or, Don’t Get Distracted)

As I watched yet another of the negative political ads on TV, I felt sick inside. I began to sense a nudging from the Spirit to pray right away. Though I didn’t respond immediately, He nudged a little harder by giving me a glimpse of the spiritual battle in these campaigns, again reminding me of “seeing” from that higher perspective (August issue.) So I prayed about the election in the way that I knew at that moment – for people not to be blinded to the truth in each race, and for righteousness and truth to prevail throughout this land, that America will fulfill the destiny and purpose for which God created her.

Not really knowing what else to pray specifically, my mind shifted to the many different ways people around the nation have encouraged believers to pray concerning the election. Some of these have been initiated by large groups, and others just by individuals passing along a suggestion to pray for one minute at a certain time, so that multiplied many across the nation will be praying at the same time. There have also been calls for 40 days of prayer and fasting prior to the election. Praise God! The body of Christ is praying for this nation’s elections!

Eph 6:18 AMP “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance . . .”

But the Spirit started showing me that some of us are getting so focused – even distracted – on praying for the elections themselves, that we are not staying alert to the other plans the enemy has in process to bring down this nation and all the good being done around the world because of it. If he can have his way, he’ll use the increased focus on the campaigns and elections to work his destructive plans in other areas, for that is his purpose – to steal, kill, and destroy! (John 10:10)

Though not ignoring, we must not get distracted by the immediate to the exclusion of the long term. It is so easy to fall into this, whether in our personal lives or regarding national issues, but we must remain vigilant in our spiritual watching over those things God has already given us to pray – for all those in authority, including politically, militarily, and spiritually. In the natural realm, Homeland Security cannot let down their guard, and must pay attention to all incoming information, even in the midst of heightened security alerts in a specific area. How much more we, the praying army, must stay alert and watch in the spiritual realm, even while we pray for specific situations.

Are we to pray about the elections? Absolutely! Does God care about what happens in the elections? Absolutely! And He wants us praying for righteousness and truth to prevail in this land through them. But, unless the Holy Spirit makes it clear to you that this is your only prayer concern until it’s over (and I’m sure He has given this assignment to some,) He doesn’t want us to neglect the other areas for which He has called us to pray and watch.

© Copyright 2004 Kay V. Stocking