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Asking for the Nations ...

It’s been my theory for a number of years now that everyone “has” a country, one nation at least that God lays on their heart, one place that if they were really honest, they would fly to in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose.  I mean it.  Look yourself in the eye (with a mirror of course), and ask yourself, “Where would you go if money were no option and you could leave right this instant?”  You heard it, didn’t you?  The whisper of another land, of a purpose beyond yourself … I hear it … I long for it.  My heart belongs there in another world … So much of what I’ve gone through in my life has prepared me to be a part of this nation, to pray for them, to do battle for the people of that nation in a realm we cannot see …

A few years ago I was reading in Psalms and discovered a promise I’ve never forgotten.  Psalm 2:8, in the Contemporary English Version says, “Ask me for the nations, and every nation on earth will belong to you.”  And, as I’ve quit trying to overanalyze the Scriptures I read, I have done just that.  I’ve asked God for Lithuania, my country, the nation with the highest suicide rate in the world.  I’ve asked Him to deliver them, to bring salvation to the people who are engaged in a battle for their very lives … I’ve cried … I’ve longed … I’ve struggled and wrestled … I’ve prayed that Proverbs 13:9 would be the experience of the people on the streets there, that their lives would be “full of light,” instead of “dark and gloomy” (as the Living Bible says) … And I ask you to pray with me …

But first – do tell me which country God has laid on your heart.  And more than that – do your own research and be educated in your prayer life for the people of those nations.  That’s going to be the theme of my blog for a few entries … I’ll be sharing with you what I’ve researched and found out about different nations, about the work that is going on in those countries, and asking you to join me in a bold prayer venture, claiming the nations back for the Kingdom of God, that Psalm 46:10 would be true, that all nations on earth would honor God …
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