The Meaning of Prayer

This week, we have a special message from our 2023 National Day of Prayer Co-Host, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez!

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14

Let us reflect on the meaning of prayer from a biblical and practical perspective as we prepare to join together on the National Day of Prayer to Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much. Prayer is the key to the redemption and renewal of our land. This is the message from 2 Chronicles 7:14. As a Christian leader, I believe that prayer is an essential part of our spiritual life. Our prayers are a powerful tool to help us connect with God and seek His guidance, grace, and blessings. 

The passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14 begins with the words "if my people." This implies that prayer is not for everyone but for God's people. It is for those who are created in the image of God and have a sacred purpose in life. As God's people, we are called to be the light of the world, the city on a hill, the salt and light, and the disciples of Jesus Christ.

Moreover, we are “called by His name”. In a world full of brands, nomenclatures, and hashtags, there is only one name that matters - Jesus Christ. He is the name above all other names, the name that can save a nation. We need to proclaim His name from the barrio to Beverly Hills, from Wall Street to Main Street, and from New York to Los Angeles. Only through Him can captives be set free, the lost be found, and the broken be blessed.

The passage continues, "if my people will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways." We need to humble ourselves before God and pray for our nation. We need to seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. We need to repent of our sins, immorality, moral relativism, cultural decadence, infanticide, racism, poverty, and violence. Only through repentance can revival come.

The passage ends with a promise, "I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." We need to believe that God will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and restore our land.  That is why the mission of mobilizing unified, public prayer for America is so important, and why I am thrilled to be this year's Co-Host.

On this National Day of Prayer, let us remember that Christ is the hope of glory as we pray the promise from James 5:16b, "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

In Christ,

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez

President

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

Join us in a prayer response to Rev. Rodriguez's words.

Lord, You truly are the Hope of Glory. It is only through your grace and goodness that we are reconciled to the Father and find freedom from the chains of sin. Stir up your Holy Spirit in our hearts to desire more time dwelling in prayer, and more time praying in righteousness in order to avail much and see You transform our own hearts, homes, and nation. Unleash Your presence over every National Day of Prayer gathering this year. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.