How to Pray for a Nation in Times of National Disaster

How to Pray for a Nation (Part 8)

TEXT -- Daniel 9:9-19

Today, by the grace of God, I want to continue our series titled "How to Pray for a Nation" based on Daniel's prayer for his people found in Daniel chapter 9. This message, I believe, is particularly pertinent considering recent events, such as the superstorm Sandy which has just devastated the northeast, and which I believe is a judgment of God on this nation because of its sins. It is not strange for God to judge a nation because of its sins. As we have been learning from Daniel chapter 9, even though He gave them a long time to repent, God eventually judged the children of Israel by allowing them to be carried off into captivity to Assyria and Babylon -- a true national disaster. And so in light of these events, I want us to look at the biblical perspective that we should take in times of natural and national disaster.

1. First of all, we need to understand that God is in control of every disaster.

2. Secondly, we need to realize that every disaster brings a mixture of God's mercy and judgment.

3. Thirdly, we must realize that disasters are warnings that call us to repentance.