By Charles Simpson

Congratulations to the Intercessors for America board of directors and staff for 40 years of service to God and country! I know of no group that has done more to promote prayer and its impact, or has had a greater impact upon our nation as well as other nations. Forty seems to be a significant number in that both Moses and our Lord fasted for 40 days. IFA has given to us 40 years of focus on intercession.

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It is impossible to fully assess the impact of IFA and others who have promoted prayer across our nation. One would have to look at what happened when nations did not pray, such as the USSR and Germany, where prayerlessness gave way to tyranny and destruction. Thankfully, we have escaped those results.

We can know through the study of history that prayer had a major role in the founding of our nation, as the Great Awakening swept across the eastern seaboard and the Constitutional Convention sought God in prayer in 1787. And often our leaders called for national days of prayer as authorized by Congress in 1952.

A Biblical Examples

The Holy Scriptures are filled with examples of the impact that prayer has had upon a nation. When Israel was enslaved in Egypt, the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance (see Exodus 3:9). When Israel sinned in worshipping the golden calf, Moses interceded on their behalf, saying that he was willing to have his name blotted out of God’s book for their salvation (see Exodus 32:32). The Apostle Paul expressed similar love for Israel in Romans 9:3. Real intercession is when we are willing to sacrifice our own well-being for the well-being of others. Esther is another model that comes to mind as she placed herself in danger in order to deliver her people. Esther had ascended to the throne for that moment in history (see Esther 4:13-14). Prayer can promote the right people at the right time.

Hannah was another woman who touched God in prayer. She was so desperate for a son, and sought God with such passion that the priest thought she was intoxicated. But the Lord gave her a son, Samuel, whom she gave back to God. Samuel became the prophet who anointed David as a future king.

Hannah’s prayer made a great impact upon all of history, as David is remembered for his exploits and Psalms. Our Lord is called the “Son of David.” An answered prayer can have an impact far beyond its immediate request.

The book of James gives us still another example of the impact of prayer upon a nation. James chapter 5 reminds us of Elijah, whose prayer brought down fire from heaven and rain upon the parched land (see James 5:13-20; 1 Kings 18). It was a turning point for Israel. James reminds us that the prayer of the righteous avails much healing, forgiveness, and turning sinners back to the truth. James also reminds us that effectual fervent prayer by righteous people still works!

First of All

The Apostle Paul lived and ministered in times that were dangerous for followers of Jesus. He eventually gave his life to spread the Gospel. His impact upon nations is incalculable. He was a man of unceasing prayers — jail-breaking prayers! It was he who told Timothy to pray and intercede for all men, for kings, and all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. That is good in the eyes of God. I notice that he said pray and intercede. Intercession takes prayer to another level. It is to stand between God and the need, and to plead for divine intervention.

Leaders have the power to affect our lives, and we have the power through Christ to affect leaders. Criticism can have a negative effect, but intercession will have a divine effect. As God’s people, we must take responsibility for what effect will be felt by our beloved nation. I salute IFA for its impact upon our land and take note that its name is Intercessors for America, not simply “Pray for America.” Let’s all follow their lead.

—Charles Simpson serves as a spiritual father to many pastors and as a consultant to churches and businesses, traveling and ministering globally. He is the Editor-in-Chief of One-to-One™ magazine, and is a featured writer in every issue. Under the banner of CSM Publishing, One-to-One and its related Web site, audio, video, books, and monthly pastoral letters reach around the world. He is the author of numerous books, including Courageous Living, The Challenge to Care, and Ants, Vines and Churches. Charles resides in Mobile, Alabama. His wife of 47 years, Carolyn, went home to be with the Lord in 2008. He has three adult children and nine grandchildren.