As a believer and a farmer, I’m no stranger at praying for the land. We prepare, plow, plant and then have to have patience for the crops. We want our yields to be adequate to feed our families and take care of our animals.

We are dependent on nature and look to God’s promise that “seed time and harvest will always remain.” (Genesis 8:22) And Psalm 65: 9-13 even speaks of God’s care of the land.

A broader ‘land’ meaning
The idea of prayers for our land takes on a much larger meaning in today’s world. We have the threat of terrorism, racial tension, moral and spiritual erosion, breakdown of the family, gun violence, obsession with sexual perversions, battles over religious liberty and freedom of speech, and a contentious soon-to-come election. They pose grave threats to our land and its future yields.

God does promise to heal our land. But in 2 Chronicles 7:14, the Bible points out our part in that promise: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, …”

Be ready to respond to those who make excuses for those threats, just as Jesus did to the accuser in the wilderness: “It is written …” (See Luke 4.)

Remember that the Lord hears when the righteous cry out. My favorite verse that I’m standing on is 2 Samuel 24:25: “The Lord was moved by prayers for the land.”

Peg Kenyon
East Meredith, N.Y.

Kenyon is part of the Mountain Valley chapter of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International. For more about FCFI, visit fcfi.org.