IF MY PEOPLE!!

How can a nation turn to God?

So how should a nation examine itself if it wants to secure divine assistance in addressing a national crisis? How can it be certain that God will hear and answer the prayers of its people? Is a national day of prayer sufficient to hold God's attention? Or does He expect much deeper and enduring commitment, dedication and contrition?

God explained to the prophet Ezekiel that any superficial worship-even in the presence of one of His prophets-does not impress Him. "So they come to you in crowds as if they were really ready to listen. They sit in front of you as if they were my people and hear your words, but they will not obey them.

"With their mouths they tell me they love me, but their hearts desire their selfish profits. To your people you are nothing more than a singer who sings love songs and has a beautiful voice and plays a musical instrument well. They hear your words, but they will not obey them" (Ezekiel 33:31-32, New Century Version).

How can a nation turn to God?

So how should a nation examine itself if it wants to secure divine assistance in addressing a national crisis? How can it be certain that God will hear and answer the prayers of its people? Is a national day of prayer sufficient to hold God's attention? Or does He expect much deeper and enduring commitment, dedication and contrition?

God explained to the prophet Ezekiel that any superficial worship-even in the presence of one of His prophets-does not impress Him. "So they come to you in crowds as if they were really ready to listen. They sit in front of you as if they were my people and hear your words, but they will not obey them.

"With their mouths they tell me they love me, but their hearts desire their selfish profits. To your people you are nothing more than a singer who sings love songs and has a beautiful voice and plays a musical instrument well. They hear your words, but they will not obey them" (Ezekiel 33:31-32, New Century Version).