puri-sidd@cs.yale.edu (Sidd Puri) (01/23/91)
To our brothers and sisters in Christ: The war between the United States and Iraq started just eight hours ago. This letter is an encouragement to pray. Scripture is full of precedents for prayer in just such a time as this: war, and also the punishment of a nation for its sins. A few days ago, someone we know was given a prophecy: that many would die in this war, on both sides. There was also a warning: the United States cannot attack Baghdad without remembering its own wrongs. Refer to Habakkuk 2. Please do not forget to pray together in your groups, with friends, at church, or alone. Pray for the soldiers in the Middle East, pray for the Christians, pray for the leaders, pray for God's will to be done in this situation, even pray that Hussein, like Nebuchadnezzar, will have his heart transformed by the Lord. Pray also for the Lord's people in Israel. Daniel 9:1-19 is an example of a man praying for his nation. Jonah 3 shows a people praying for themselves. Finally, remember II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Like David in Psalm 27, I am still confident of this: that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. But please do not underestimate the power and the need for prayer. I wish you love and peace in Christ, Sharon Kim