It’s a privilege to pray.

We need to pray as Jesus taught us. He taught us to pray about kingdom priorities. He modeled prayer in this way, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Heaven will be just fine but earth is a mess.

I want to ask you to pray for three areas today. All three deal with the kingdom of God but the third is a very personal prayer.

First, I want you to pray for Christians in China and in North Korea.

China has many Christians who are coming under intense persecution. Now that President Xi Jinping has been made president for life, the threat for Christians has increased. The last time that happened, under Mao Zedong, Christians and all Chinese citizens suffered unmercifully. In January government authorities demolished a megachurch. Now all religious groups must gain approval by the government.

This does not look good for Chinese Christians.

North Korea is the most hostile nation on earth toward Christians. Three hundred thousand people follow Christ in this oppressive nation. Execution and extreme abuse are well documented in North Korea.

These persecuted believers need our prayers.

Second, please pray about the scourge of gambling. Gambling has gained footholds all across the country. We in Louisiana are in danger because the state legislature begins this week with massive budget deficits and extensive lobbying by the gambling industry.

I cannot see that gambling can be acceptable for Christians or good for society. Gambling promotes laziness and an anti-work lifestyle. It encourages irresponsible actions while discouraging giving and philanthropy. Gambling shows us “high rollers” but exploits the poor.

Third, pray about your life before God. Ask God for wisdom and leadership. Pray the model prayer of Jesus, asking Him to lead you so that you will not fall into temptation.

As you pray, seek personal holiness, asking Him to deliver you from the evil one. Turn from your pet sins and seek good. The result will be an intensified prayer life and greater intimacy with God.

When God’s people are close to Him, our lives and our world will be blessed.

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