On the National Day of Prayer -- 10 Reasons Why We Should Pray

In the last week our world has experienced profound changes. For example, we've learned the news that terror mastermind Usama bin Laden is dead. And that's just for starters. It is a reminder to all that our technological advancements and expertise can bring about a measure of accomplishment.

Yet, there are unknowns over which we have limited control that could effect our freedom and way of life. It is into this environment that America has been called to a National Day of Prayer.

The following are ten reasons why we should pray:

1. Prayer reminds us that we are not the solution to the challenges that grip our world but we have access to the one who transcends those challenges.

2. A prayerless nation has no hope beyond the headlines.

3. Prayer aligns us with God’s heart, purposes and blessings.

4. Prayer is an act of humility that precedes honor.

5. Prayer enlarges the heart beyond selfish motive.

6. Prayer provokes the heart to consider not only what is but what can be with God’s help.

7. Prayer is best prioritized when one asks God to change one’s own heart first.

8. No matters of eternal value will be accomplished outside of prayer.

9. Prayer is properly prioritized vigilance in a spiritually passive world.

10. Prayer at its best is an offering of one’s self to be used by God as a part of the answer.

Daring times challenge us to pray daring prayers as bold as those prayed by the pilgrims when they entered the new land or Abraham Lincoln as he called upon God amidst the dangers of a Civil War. As the threat of terrorism looms and the economy is uncertain we pause on the National Day of Prayer to not only ask God to intervene in world affairs but to move upon our hearts and make us catalysts of change.

The Bible reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “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.”

Rev. Bill Shuler is senior pastor at Capital Life Church in Arlington, Virginia. For more, visit the Capital Life website at capitallife.org.