Romans 1: 21-23, 28-32
“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God…and just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”
Holy God, You are worthy of all our praise; You deserve our praise for Your patience and forbearance, for we are a stiff-necked people. We continue to go our own way—”practicing things that are worthy of death”—and call ourselves wise but, in truth, have become fools. It is not surprising that we and our nation are filled with such unrighteousness when we no longer see fit to acknowledge You as our Holy God. We know what we ought to do, but we fail to do it and no longer fear You and the coming judgment.
Lord God, America has a heart problem; I have a heart problem. The only remedy is Jesus.
Forgive America, Lord; forgive me. Restore my heart and the hearts of men and women all over this nation with transplanted hearts—hardened hearts exchanged with Your heart. We pray for a new day in America, a fresh start, new hope. Thank You, Lord, for Your mercies that are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. We pray in the mighty, Holy, righteous name of Jesus. Amen.
~ painting by Jim Dine
