war

A young guy in a two-engine fighter was flying escort for a B-52 and generally being a nuisance, acting like a hotdog, flying rolls around the lumbering old bomber. 

The hotdog said over the air, "Anything you can do, I can do better." 

The veteran bomber pilot answered, "Try this hot-shot." The B-52 continued its flight, straight and level. 

Perplexed, the hotdog asked, "So? What did you do?" 

"I just shut down two engines, kid."

I suppose you may heard something in the news the past few days about a war going on in Iraq. These are difficult times, and we all feel the urgent need to spend more time with God in prayer. We pray for the safety of our troops. We pray for a quick end to the conflict. But, beyond that, what should we pray for?

Ron Hutchcraft recently sent out an e-mail entitled "10 Ways to Pray in Times Like These" (http://www.gospelcom.net/rhm/editorials/waystopray.php). Here are seven of his good suggestions:

1. "Lord, do something that will show people Your glory over all the earth."

This is a moment for God to do something that no diplomat, no world leader, no army could possibly do - so all will know that "the Lord He is God."

2. "Lord, use these anxious and uncertain times to bring many to Christ."

God can use this fearful time to reach the hearts of many - in Iraq, in America, across the Middle East, among the young men and women of the military.

3. "Lord, guide our leaders to be instruments of Your will on earth."

"I urge ... that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority." (I Timothy 2:1-2)

4. "Lord, protect the innocent."

5. "Pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27)

Jesus has charged us to represent even our enemies before His Throne of Grace.

6. "Lord, help Your people model peace in these troubled times, pointing the people around them to Jesus - at a time when hearts are soft."

This uncertain time is a life-saving moment - when those who belong to Jesus have an unusual window to introduce Him to those who don't. But the window may not be open for long.

7. "Lord, bring peace out of all that's happening."

God has told us that the result He desires in answer to our prayers for our leaders is a climate where peace and righteousness can flourish (I Tim. 2:2).

-ron hutchcraft