When you think about the state of American politics, what comes to mind? Do you feel discouraged, worried, or anxious? With everything that has happened in our country these last four years, it is understandable for you to feel this way. With all the discouragement and angst it is more important now than ever before that Christians unite in prayer for our nation.

Please join Wisconsin Family Action from September 29 through November 5, Election Day, in praying every day at 9:29 AM as we reflect on Mark 9:29.

In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus cleanses a boy from an unclean spirit and raises that boy from spiritual death to life. The disciples had tried unsuccessfully to purge the demon that was causing physical and spiritual harm to the young man. When the father of the young man asks Jesus to heal his son, Jesus responds, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately, the father cries, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Just as this young man was possessed by a harmful unclean spirit, our nation and culture are entranced in the spirit of this age that harms individuals, families, and our communities. Both lead to death by sin under the authority of Satan. Likewise, the same statement Jesus proclaimed in Mark 9 can be true for our land today. We must believe God for who He proclaims to be and that through faith and His restorative power, God may have mercy on us to restore our land. Just like the father in this story, we must cry out, “Lord, I believe you can heal, restore, and transform our nation; help my unbelief!”

When the disciples asked why they could not cleanse the spirit, Jesus proclaims, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” The key difference between the disciples failing and Jesus succeeding is prayer. Verse 29 reinforces the critical nature and power of prayer. This sort of spirit can be cast out only by prayer. Belief in the possibility isn’t enough. We must fervently seek the Lord through prayer. Jesus is our ultimate hope and answer to the problems we face as individuals and as a nation.

As a reminder of the need for powerful prayer, from September 29 to November 5, our staff will pray for hearts to transform individually and as a nation at 9:29 AM every morning. Will you join us in interceding and praying for America?

Pray for gospel transformation in individuals, our churches, communities, state, and nation.

Pray that God will appoint those to serve in office who will lessen evil.

With so much at stake in the upcoming election, you might feel like as just one person, you cannot effect change. John 5:14 reminds us: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” We firmly believe that God is not done with America – He is still at work in our nation, and He works through our prayers.

P.S. Have you made a plan for how you will vote by November 5? Our family is in a crazy busy season of life. My wife and I voted absentee by mail last night to avoid missing the election due to busyness. If you’re in a crazy busy season too, consider locking in your vote through early voting. You can find out more HERE.