The life of Nehemiah provides a valuable lesson of how prayer can heal a country. Nehemiah was in Persia serving as the cupbearer for king Artaxerxes. After finding out that his home city of Jerusalem was in shambles, Nehemiah became very sad and frustrated. Instead of complaining, he got on his face and cried out to God. He fasted, prayed, and pleaded with God to intercede.
Nehemiah didn’t give up and continued to bring his request before the Lord. One day, the king noticed that his servant wasn’t looking well. After Nehemiah told the ruler about the plight of his homeland, Artaxerxes allowed his servant temporary leave to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-6)
Like ancient Israel, America has its share of damaged gates and walls in need of repair. God will heal a nation, but people must humble themselves, repent of their sins, and cry out to Him. Your Father delights in helping His children.
2 Chronicles 7:12-14 depicts how Jehovah appears to Solomon regarding “The divine acceptance”. And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the Locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
America has been suffering from the lack of concern and support for our neighbor has stripped the American family of critical resources in troubled times. Individually and corporately, we need to repent as the people of Nineveh did, so that God might be gracious to us.