Prayer or Polarization

Americans naively believe that we are now more politically polarized today than ever. Due in some part to the failure of the public schools to accurately teach our nation’s history, we don’t know there have been greater seasons of uncertainty than the one in which we now live. A century and a half ago Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts gave a two-day speech—ultimately called “The Crime Against Kansas”–wherein he labeled certain men, “hirelings, picked from the drunken spew and vomit of an uneasy civilization.” His attack was especially aimed at Southern Carolina Senator Andrew Butler, declaring, “Senator Butler has chosen a mistress. I mean the harlot, slavery.”

Under the pretense of honor, South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks walked into the Senate chamber and commenced to strike Sumner with his gold-tipped cane. He might have beaten him to death if he had not been restrained. The House tried to expel Brooks but did not have enough votes. Additionally, Brooks was celebrated as a hero in the south, receiving numerous canes to replace the one he broke over the head of Sumner, further evoking anger among Northerners. As Solomon instructed us, there is nothing new under the sun.

Yes, we do have challenges. We do have some divides. Our answer, however, will not come from Washington D.C.; that has been proven time and again. We must continue to call down mercies from on high! It is so easy to get caught up in all the political drama that we see and hear across the fruited plain; however, nasty yard signs and venomous language can never heal this nation’s sinful propensities and the consequences they spawn.

Equally important, we must not take “our ease in Zion,” (Amos 6:1) by thinking things on a national scale will not affect us homeschoolers. With the increase of homeschoolers due to the Coronavirus and the public school’s struggle with e-learning, potential increased legislation regarding homeschooling is on many minds and tongues. The NEA is looking at a potential massive reduction in teachers and therefore revenue.

With the national election less than a month away, it is time for us homeschoolers to do our civic duty by praying for our country. While all elections matter, this particular election seems to have more significance than others in distant memory. 1 Timothy 2:2 reminds us:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are
in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
dignified in every way. – 1 Timothy 2:2

While we usually focus on homeschool specific items, we need to focus on the nation and not just on our small subculture. Furthermore, I encourage you to copy the following prayer list and include them in your daily devotional time with your children, explaining to them both the biblical imperative and the present need. You can double-dip academically, covering both your Bible class and Civics! This is a wonderful time to teach our children to choose prayer over polarization.

1. Pray for God’s will to be done in the various federal, state, and local elections next month.
   • He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; –Daniel 2:21
   • all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” –Daniel 4:35
2. Pray that America might repent of her pride, arrogance, and independence from God.
   • For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low; –Isaiah 2:12
   • We have heard of the pride of Moab— he is very proud— of his loftiness, his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart. –Jeremiah 48:29
3. Pray for those in authority to walk humbly before God and those they serve.
   • He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? –Micah 6:8
   • The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries. –Proverbs 15:25
4. Pray against the various “isms” that seek to divide this country.
   • As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. –Gen. 50:20
   • Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. –Proverbs 26:27
5. Pray that God would show mercy to the homeschooling movement by placing homeschool friendly politicians in power, both on the federal and state level.
   • Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. –Psalms 86:2
   • Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! –Psalms 90:17
6. Pray that God might use homeschoolers as agents of His grace to promote healing and righteousness in our nation, states, and cities.
   • To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! …The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. –Proverbs 15:23, 28
   • Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. –Col. 4:6
7. Pray that God will reveal corruption on both sides of the political aisle.
   • though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. –Proverbs 26:26
   • And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. –Hebrews 4:13
8. Pray that Americans will understand that our political system is nothing more than a reflection of our national moral decay.
   • And it shall be like people, like priest; I will punish them for their ways and repay them for their deeds. –Hosea 4:9
   • Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. –Gal. 6:7
9. Pray for our young adults and school-aged children who are confused, cynical, or despondent due to the cultural temperature.
   • “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. –Mark 9:42
   • Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow. –Jer. 31:13
10. Pray that Christians will be more intent on employing prayer than any other means at their disposal.
    • Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. –1 Sam. 12:23
    • And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, –Col. 1:9
    • As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. –2 Chron. 7:1