America is now at war. Although almost everyone agrees that our superior technology assures us of victory, there is no doubt that our enemy is fierce and brutal -- and willing to use any means to fight to the death.  

Such a time calls for those of us  who are both citizens of a heavenly kingdom and also of an earthly nation to cry out to God on behalf of our nation, its leaders and its troops. While this conflict with Iraq might seem far away and, therefore, less important than the personal concerns we bring to the Lord, there is little doubt in my mind that we should put this war right at the top of our prayer list. And let's not allow an over-confidence in victory to make us apathetic because this war is not yet won and consequences of a loss would be devastating to the free world.

Unfortunately, I've noticed a bit of confusion and timidity as to how we should pray concerning this war. Should we pray for victory? Should we pray for the death of our enemy -- even of Saddam Hussein? Will God hear and answer prayers like this?

How NOT to Pray

1. Don't pray in unbelief. Your prayers make a difference. When our army was pinned down by a mighty sand storm last week and our air force could not take off to defend them, I felt our troops were in a very vulnerable situation. I knew Satan can cause a sand storm (Job 1:18-19) and I knew Jesus could calm a storm, so I cried out to God to clear the weather and to hold off the Iraqi troops that were leaving Baghdad to engage our troops. I believed I could make a difference and God did answer those two requests.

2. Don't pray in discouragement. Your prayers should not indicate that you think this war has caught God by surprise as if He had hoped we would have achieved world peace by this time in human history. God knows better. He has ordained governments and granted them authority to use force to stop evil people. Not that He (or we) should be happy about a war, but He (and we) should be realistic about the need to confront evil of this nature. And when we rise to do our duty and fulfill our responsibility, we should do so with a sense of honor. I do not believe we are engaged in a "necessary evil," but we are fulfilling a God-given responsibility -- and the world should be a better place once we have fulfilled that duty.

3. Don't pray as if God doesn't care about the outcome. Although our family has been very involved in sports, I have never prayed that our team would win the game. I love to win, but I don't believe God really cares who wins and who loses. But this war is not a game. This is a fight between a nation with good and honorable intentions and a regime of oppression and brutality. I have no qualms about praying for victory and I am convinced this is what God wants as well. (At this point, let me offer all the necessary disclaimers about how America is not "God's nation" and how we have done a lot of bad things in our past as well. I'm not claiming America is a Christian nation and I am well-aware of many of our own sins. However, I do believe there are stark differences between America and Iraq, both in their motives in this war as well as their tactics in prosecuting this war.)

Closely aligned with this concept is a cartoon printed in our paper this week of a Christian mother and a Muslim mother both kneeling in prayer and both praying the same thing. Both prayers were identical except one prayed to "God" while the other prayed to "Allah." Such a cartoon seemed to be saying that God doesn't take sides between nations and religions. Such views might be applauded as "tolerant" and having the ability to rise about petty national interests to see things as God would see them. But "Allah" is not the true God and the difference between who Muslims worship and who Christians worship is not just in the name. Rather, the very nature of our God is at odds with theirs. And God does accept the prayers of those who approach Him in the Name of Jesus Christ and does not accept the prayers of those who approach Him in their own religious righteousness.

How Should We Pray for this War?

With boldness! With faith! With intensity!

Don't utter an impotent whisper to God, but call upon the Lord with all your heart. Pray as if you (or a loved one) were actually out on those front lines facing a desperate and brutal enemy.

Here is an actual prayer that I pray.

Dear Lord,

Thank you that you are sovereign over all the nations. Thank you that you care about the nations and the people who live in them. Thank you that you establish governments to protect us from evil people. Father, might you be greatly glorified as a result of this war with Iraq.

I ask you to be with our country during these trying times.

Might you guide our president and fill him with wisdom, strength and courage. Might President Bush be unwavering in his leadership. Protect him from discouragement, despair, doubt and all the subtle attacks of the enemy. Please watch over and protect his wife and daughters during this time. Might he receive wise counsel and might he delegate authority wisely. Might our leaders remain humble and might they seek you with all their hearts.

O Lord, be with our troops during this time. I pray each one will turn to you as they head into battle and that each soldier will find peace with you through Jesus Christ. Protect them as they are in harm's way. I pray their equipment will work properly. I pray they will not be lured into dangerous traps. I pray our soldiers will have courage and not only fight harder, but fight smarter as well. O Lord, please give our troops a swift and sure victory!

Comfort the families of those who have suffered loss and bring healing to those who have been injured in this war. Unite our country as we face this enemy, for a house divided cannot stand. And, Father, might you use this war to bring America to a place of repentance and greater devotion to you.

Father, I pray for the people of Iraq. Might they be quickly liberated from the oppression of Saddam Hussein and his murderous thugs. Might they rise up against this tyrant and help overthrow him. I pray the oppressed people of Iraq would trust us, welcome us and join us in liberating their country. Might you protect the innocent civilians of this suffering country. Might they have the food, water and shelter they need. Please allow relief supplies to reach them quickly. I pray for the quick defeat of the enemy. Might they be confused and their efforts thwarted. I ask they that would lose heart and surrender quickly before more life is lost. I pray that Saddam and his leaders would be quickly captured or killed.

Father, once again, I pray you would be glorified through this war. Might many people in our country turn to you and find salvation in Jesus Christ. Might many Iraqi's and others throughout the Muslim world turn to Jesus as a result of this war. Even in this time of war, might our president and troops display Christian character in such a way as to win over the hearts of those who hate us.

I ask these things in the Name of Jesus our Lord, who is the King of kings and Lord of Lords. And as I see the suffering in our world, I pray, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Establish Your kingdom on this earth!

Amen

Tom Short
www.shortreport.com

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