Praying for Oregon

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30

This has been a difficult project to start, and yet one I feel strongly compelled to do.

First, it has been difficult to see that my efforts are truly needed. There are a lot of prayer groups, pages and blogs already out there, calling for united prayer over Oregon, as well as the whole country. Why yet another? But I think I need to add whatever is unique about my experience and insight to the mix, not in an attempt to “do it better,” but to bring another voice into agreement: Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 We need to combine our spiritual insight and experience, not be in competition.

Second, it was oddly difficult to come up with a name. “Standing in the gap” is not particularly original, and there are numerous groups on Facebook, etc. already so named. It refers, of course, to Ezekiel 22:30: And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.It is this type of intercessory-type prayer and spiritual warfare that I believe is needed to protect and restore the state of Oregon. 

The third difficulty has been to choose a venue. Social media? YouTube? Facebook - “Page” or “Group?” Blog?  Web page? e-book? I have finally settled on a blog that will also make use of social media, and we will see how it develops. There is an old saying about God not being able to ‘steer a parked car.’ Just start…

Finally, who am I to “stand in the gap?” Mostly, I am a garden-variety Christian and church member who is on the local prayer chain and can be called upon to bring a dish for a church potluck. 

I am also a third-generation Oregonian, born just a few miles from where I now reside in Clackamas county. Since I am a grandmother, three generations takes us back a bit. My family is not early pioneer stock, but we did arrive here around the turn of the twentieth century and my father was born in Oregon City in 1914. We lean toward farming, fishing and school teaching, and are more rural than urban.

I began my Christian walk early, about the age of ten. I graduated from a private Bible college and have decades of experience leading Bible studies, teaching Sunday School, etc.  I was a church secretary and bookkeeper for seventeen years and still haven't totally quit. I am a writer and have published articles and stories for Sunday School papers, Christian publications and devotionals. 

As I said, a garden-variety Christian…We know the real qualifications are spelled out in Micah 6:8:….what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 

Something to strive for...

So! Here we have a blog on prayer for the state of Oregon, focused on praying for the political leaders as instructed in I Timothy 2:1-2: Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

That covers a lot, actually, but we will also include our economic situation and protection from plagues and anything else that might come up.

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

Blessings!

Margaret Mills