When in doubt about present, pray

Sometimes I ask myself, “Am I the only one who sees the impinging danger for this country? Am I the only one who cares, who sees America on the edge of the precipice? Will we care when our freedoms are gone? Will we care if our possessions are taken away and our meager income goes mainly for taxes?”

Every generation has heard about the “good old days,” but I can’t help remembering a time when our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment and plain old commonsense. We were taught the difference between right and wrong. We were taught responsibility, respectability and integrity.

I have lived in an age when people saluted the flag with a tear in their eye and a lump in their throat. Every individual, young or old, was treated with respect and dignity. Strong family values made this country great. We have now seen generations appear who, for the most part, have never known the meaning of sacrifice or patriotism. This has led to immorality, distrust, betrayal and corruption.

In the “good old days,” teenagers didn’t blow their brains out listening to big bands like Tommy Dorsey or Benny Goodman. Grass was something that was mowed. Coke was a soft drink and pot was something your mother cooked in. Until we come to grips with the reality of our situation, freedom as we know it will slip away.

I am thankful that I was privileged to grow up and live in America with decency, unselfishness and happiness that came with voices of freedom.

So I am pleading for every citizen to pray for America. We are in a severe crisis.

Apathy erodes vigilance, leaving an open door for the enemy. A dedicated, lifelong uncompromising stand in a praying believer’s life brings great results and in this stance, prayer becomes vital.

When the ship is finally wrecked, no one questions the prayers offered in public places. (Such as 9/11) The pain and suffering is far too great for any protest. It is when things begin to calm down and the initial shock has settled that prayers slide back into complacency. God is ignored and the hedge begins to break down, day by day a little at a time, making God someone to seek only in emergencies. We must pray daily as if our lives depended on it, which they do.

Our founding fathers had the wisdom to govern our constitution on Biblical principles and those principles have endured for more than 200 years. These principles have led to blessings and prosperity. No other place can replace the United States of America. From “sea to shining sea” and everything in between is sacred, beloved land. Please don’t lose it. Please don’t become apathetic and think you can’t make a difference. You may be just one but your effort counts.

Pray for wisdom. Pray for leaders who have respect for life, morality, honesty in principles, and unselfishness in dealing with this country. Pray they will be God-fearing, family loving people who want the best for America.

Pray for America to be shielded from evil.

Pray for a long-lasting, sincere revival across this beloved land.

“Freedom!” That’s what this country is about. I thank God I live in America, but I’m even more thankful for a savior who died for me. May all of us remember a man on a cross who gave the highest sacrifice to free us from the bondage of sin.

This is a call to prayer … a daily-consecrated prayer that can change our future. The heart of a nation is the price of its freedom.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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