I have been thinking about the command found in 1 Chronicles 7:14, a command so often associated with praying for our politicians, their agendas, and upcoming elections.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” [NIV]
The more I think about this command, I realize it goes far deeper. It requires that we, as believers, stand in the gap for our people (our nation). It requires that we humble ourselves and repent of OUR sin. It requires that we “turn from [OUR] wicked ways.”
In addition, we are also to “seek the face” of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. To seek the face of God is to pursue a deep, personal relationship, to be in His Presence, know His Character, and enjoy His fellowship. The Hebrew word translated as “face,” means presence or holiness. It signifies the very person of God. His Presence in our life is our highest goal.
Psalm 105:4 reminds that this is a continual commitment: “…seek his face always.”
It is right to pray for our politicians, their agendas, and elections. We are commanded to do so in 1Timothy 2:1-2. But that doesn’t mean we can neglect our first responsibility to humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and continually seek the face of our God. It is only then that God will hear and heal our nation. Amen&Amen