Wednesday, June 6. Day 12 of 67 Days of Prayer
Today we are praying for the following districts:
- Tennessee State House District 34- Currently represented by Tim Rudd
- Tennessee State House District 35 – Currently represented by Jerry Sexton
- Tennessee State House District 36 – Currently represented by Dennis Powers
- Tennessee State Senate District 12 – Currently represented by Ken Yager
Our call to Prayer
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luke 22.36 KJV
Our position on government is that its has to be founded upon scriptural proofs. It is clear that scripture calls for gentleness, self-control, and turning the other cheek. It is also clear from the Law that self-defense is allowed.
In our call to prayer (Luke 22.36), we see Jesus instructing those without swords to buy one – at great cost. However, shortly after, Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away after he uses it. It is apparent that while the right to self-defense is a scriptural right, scripture requires discretion in the exercise of self-defense.
Our focus today is on the weapon that Jesus instructed the disciples to buy, and what it represented. Quite simply, in telling his followers to buy a sword, Jesus was telling them to buy the most effective personal weapon they could. A sword is more effective than a rock, than a sling shot, and generally more effective than a spear.
In scripture, there is no mandate anywhere for limitations on personal arms. We thus hold that gun control is an attempt by the government to impose a limitation on us that God Himself has not; it is an attempt by the state to be more just and holy than God is perceived to be.
A Prayer for Day 12 of 67 Days of Prayer
Lord, Your name is known in Rutherford, Claiborne, Grainger, Union, Anderson, Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, Pickett and Scott Counties. Thank You for the strong Christian heritage You have given to Your people in these areas.
Father, it is clear in scripture that You have called us to protect life. This includes protecting the lives of our family. Thank You for the right of self-defense.
Lord, there are those who would attempt to impose restrictions on this right that You have given all men. We ask that they would be fruitless in this area, and that You would turn their hearts away from this tragic effort that they so mistakenly see as noble and just.
We look to the day when Jesus will return and bring eternal peace. Come, Lord Jesus.
Once more we ask: Father, would You cause a spirit of prayer to well up within the citizenry of Tennessee? Would You cause our state to once more seek Your face? Would you cause us to seek Your will as we vote – but not just in voting Lord, but in our daily lives? Would You move on our hearts and make our homes places of spiritual accountability?
Amen.
Please click here to download a printable guide of when to pray for each district. Please feel free to email this to other praying Christians, to insert this in your church bulletin, or to post it on your church bulletin board. Make sure you put a copy on your refrigerator or in another prominent place in your home. This guide may be freely reproduced as long as it is not modified.
