40 Days

“The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days:

• Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain.
• Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai.
• The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land.
• David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge.
• Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal.
• The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave them 40 days to change.
• Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness.
• The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection.”

Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

We now have 40 days until the presidential election. It may seem like we have been wandering in political wilderness for 40 years preparing for this election, but in six weeks we’ll know who the next president will be. The first debate between Obama and McCain will hopefully add some insight into their individual strengths and ideologies. Early voter registration is expected to be light as voters are waiting the full length of time hoping to find a defining moment when they can throw their support behind one candidate. Too often Americans vote against a certain candidate rather than for a candidate. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to know you were voting with certitude and were able to place your full confidence and enthusiasm behind your vote? Perhaps better than relying on political ads, media coverage, or talk show rhetoric that we could make our decision through 40 days of intentional prayer for guidance.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are Lord of all! You govern our comings and our goings, and we are blessed to be under your rule. For the next 40 days let us pray with purpose for our nation, for the vote that each one holds, and for the leader that will emerge. This new president-elect will be forced to embark huge difficulties the moment the count is tallied, let us use our power to be lifted in prayer for wisdom rather than use our power to weigh down the energy needed to resolve. Let us pray for leadership that follows your model of direction and management. Ultimately, Lord, You have authority over us. And we are forever thankful. Let these 40 days be a time of testing of your will and being aware of your guidance. Amen.