Heed The Watchmen

The National Day of Prayer

            The longer that I live, the more I am amazed at the deep corruption within my own sinful flesh (Romans 7:18). Truly, I do love the Lord and earnestly want to please Him; yet even with this deep sincerity, I find myself often without understanding in how to do this…

            Which brings us to the need to daily crucify the flesh (Luke 9:23, Romans 8:13) in our service to Jesus Christ. He directs by His written Word, and by His own Holy Spirit. It is because of our own fleshly inclinations that we often try to serve God in unholy ways which contradict His directives—though our intentions were enthusiastically for the best.

            The Apostle Peter is used as an example of this for our believers to follow. We can view these highs and lows starting in Matthew 16:16,17;

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:17

            It really couldn’t get much better than this for a true disciple! What an awesome praise, coming directly from the mouth of your Lord, the Son of God! Yet even on the heels of this interaction, the flesh (under Satan’s influence) drags Peter back down…

            Jesus chose this “upbeat” moment to share the solemn truth about the core of His mission—to suffer and die for all mankind (verse 21). It was then, that the same mouth which had spoken the blessed truth of verse 16, contradicted the Lord’s will (verbally) in verse 22—though yet sincere in devotion and service to Christ.

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Matthew 16:22,23

            By such an example, we know that the same struggles will accompany followers of the Lord today; no one will be exempted. It is with this sobering truth in mind that we must approach our topic of the National Day of Prayer. From the start of this annual event, I have seen grave implications for observing such a day…

            It was only recently that I became aware that the National Day of Prayer observation was brought about through the campaigns of one man; the Reverend Ted Pike. This I became aware of through the fellow believers at www.EAEC.org.

            As I looked a bit into Ted Pike, it seems clear enough that he is true follower of Christ (John 4:23). He is being greatly used of the Lord to stand watch over the activities of our federal government—a government which has become far more secretive with the legislation it is passing, stripping away our rights and liberties without a majority of Americans even being aware of what is happening.

            This article, then, concerns the Biblically errant practice of the National Day of Prayer; it is not a bashing of Ted Pike as a person. In his fervency to “contend for the faith” through prayer, Ted Pike has stepped away from God’s leading to follow what appears to be a good and holy course. In reality, this practice only plays into the hands of the antichrist, and the coming world religion.

            Our God gives us all the direction we need through His perfect Word (KJV only); the Bible then must be our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We cannot add on to it the reasonings of man which are unsupported by the Word, no matter how well-intended they may seem. Jesus said that if a man loves Him, he will keep His Words (John 14:23); do you love the Lord enough to simply obey what He has said, or will you teach and accept doctrines which are the “commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9)? Let us now consult God’s Word, to see how the National Day of Prayer falls short of God-pleasing obedience.

1) The “observance of days”. As we come into New Testament teachings, we find the religious observance of special days to be offensive to God. When Jesus was here in the flesh, He went greatly out of His way to remove even the restrictions of the Sabbath. This previous commandment had been so greatly corrupted by the added religious traditions of the Jews, that the Lord took it away! Please see our article, The Sabbath. We can also see by passages like Romans 14:5,6, how much of an individual decision (choice) is allowed as we determine our practices.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Romans 14:5,6

            Yet it is through the same writer, Paul, that the observance of days identified as spiritually weak and immature—even an outer sign of what may be an inwardly backslidden state, as we find this writing in the book of Galatians.

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Galatians 4:9,10

            We need to follow what the Word of God tells us in regard to this subject. Even holidays such as Easter and Christmas have no directives supporting them in the Bible; each of these days being deeply rooted in pagan religious observances. God will not allow “sincerity” to replace obedience (I Samuel 15:22,23).

2) No fellowship with non-believers. Christians cannot be united in prayer with non-Christians. Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven (John 14:6), and He will not compromise by accepting other religions (Isaiah 42:8). We are not all praying to the same God, and merely using different names.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. II Corinthians 6:14-18

            This is really a huge corruption; to be praying with Jews, Muslims, Catholics, homosexuals, etc. Why would a Christian run so quickly to do what the Bible forbids? Furthermore, it is at the very core of New Age Religion; that the world should be united in prayer! Each mention of unity within the Word of God only applies to true followers of Christ. Even those individuals who are found within the “church”, living wickedly or promoting false doctrines are to be avoided.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalms 1:1,2

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17,18

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? I Corinthians 10:21,22

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:10,11

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. II John 9-11

3) No world-wide revival. A popular argument for Ted Pike’s National Day of Prayer, is that it may ultimately foster a world-wide revival. This may be another well-meaning sentiment, but it unfortunately plays right into the hands of the antichrist.

            While it is true that the Lord would have all men come to salvation (II Peter 3:9), we are also told that this will not happen. The prophecies that God has given are sure. They are a major part of the basis of our faith.

            The Word of God does not declare a time of widespread revival, but of worldwide apostasy (falling away). If we are walking in the Spirit (Romans 8:14), we will easily know that this is the time of the end. Churches today usually focus on the words, “No man knoweth the day or the hour,” instead of the words which precede those; “…when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”

            Christ’s return will take the great majority of the world by surprise—even the sleeping church! They will have thought that He has already returned, through the person of antichrist. Look then, also, at this plain teaching which makes it clear that the true church (spiritual) will not be taken by surprise;

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. I Thessalonians 5:1-6

            World-wide revival, and unity, will come—under the antichrist; also called the beast. “…and all the world wondered after the beast…and they worshipped the beast, saying, who is like unto the beast?...And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life…”—from Revelation 13:3,4, & 8.

            Believers are to love their enemies, pray for them, and share the gospel with them; that God might grant them repentance unto salvation. There is no time or place given that tells us to pray for a world-wide revival. This would be a man-made attempt to please God! We are to obey the Lord according to His Word, and expect prophetic fulfillment as it has been given. These plans are God’s plans; perfect and holy, just as they are. Regarding this end time, please read II Thessalonians 2:1-12 for good enlightenment and edification.

4) Prayer is a consistent practice. Every true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to be growing in more and more prayer.  Through the Holy Spirit, we are already automatically linked together while praying.

            Special times of prayer, or prayer with fasting will be directed by the Lord to each of His children many times throughout the course of a year; it should not be directed by the approval and cooperation of many ungodly men (Luke 16:15). Brethren, there is nothing exciting about a “National Day of Prayer.” Our God wants us to offer prayers to Him every day, and plentifully throughout each day; believe the Lord in true faith, for He does hear the individual cries of His children. Take another look at how the Bible emphasizes prayer. It is demeaning to God, and to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to focus so much on a single, special day of prayer—all of our days should be led of this importance!

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Psalms 32:6

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. I Peter 4:7

5) Solitary prayers are emphasized. Praying among believers is terrific, but the Bible greatly encourages the solitary prayers of each individual. If we had to wait for group praying, the Lord would rarely hear from us. And group prayers are very limited when it comes to addressing the multiple needs of each separate person. Faith is emphasized by Jesus, for each separate person; no large group is required!

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. Matthew 26:36

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Mark 1:35

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. Mark 6:46

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: Acts 10:9

6) We must not add to God’s Word. Yet this is extremely commonplace among today’s professing Christians; being taught and exemplified by many “respected leaders” in the organized churches. God preserved His Word just the way He wanted to, and it is perfect. The observance of a National Day of Prayer is adding men’s reasoning to God’s own Word; contradicting given instructions and example.

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Psalms 12:6,7

            Without the written Word of God as a foundation, your faith will be rightfully flimsy; resting on the “experience” of individual feelings, and the subjective teachings of sinful men. The Bible speaks plainly of its own importance;

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. Psalms 138:2

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35

            Adding to God’s Word will always diminish faith in the Lord. It is best to heed the Lord’s warnings about this matter.

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5,6

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18,19

            So what is there for us to do with the National Day of Prayer? If you are a true follower of Christ, your daily devotional prayers should continue as usual. God expects you to continue praying, and growing toward perfection (Philippians 3:12-15). We must learn complete and utter dependence upon our Heavenly Father.

            If there are activities regarding this event’s participation, separate yourself! Even if the gathering is within your home church, or among a few close Christian friends, such an act of undiscerning compliance is not acceptable to the Lord. He is jealous for your devotion; you should be jealous for Him. Gently share your reasoning for not participating; leaning upon the solid rock foundation of God’s Word as your support basis. And remember that true Godly obedience is quite rare, so you might have to go it alone. It is easy to be misled by such seemingly “positive” religious ideas—God’s Word will still be our standard in discerning truth (John 17:17).

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:38