Saul, the first king of the Israelites, went from bad to worse. He disobeyed God in warfare (1 Sm 15:19), attempted to murder David, became involved in the occult, and committed suicide, in addition to other sins. Many of our political leaders are also getting worse, as they play politics with abortion (even partial birth abortion), euthanasia, pornography, the perversion of homosexual acts, and a multitude of other injustices.
Therefore, "first of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority" (1 Tm 2:1-2). "Prayer of this kind is good, and God our Savior is pleased with it" (1 Tm 2:3). "The fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed" (Jas 5:16). "Remember this: the person who brings a sinner back from his way will save his soul from death and cancel a multitude of sins" (Jas 5:20).
Some demons cannot be driven out except by prayer and fasting (Mt 17:21). Pope St. John Paul II has taught: "Prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil" (The Gospel of Life, 100). Jesus announced: "The day will come, however, when the Groom will be taken away from them; on that day they will fast" (Mk 2:20). That day is now.
Saul's namesake in the New Testament was getting worse. He was "a blasphemer, a persecutor, a man filled with arrogance" (1 Tm 1:13). He repented, gave his life to Jesus, and became an apostle, evangelist, missionary, martyr, and saint. Sauls turn to Satan and suicide, or they turn into Pauls. Pray and fast for our Sauls to become Pauls.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I believe in Your power to convert much more than I believe in Satan's power to pervert. |
| PROMISE: | "To him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God." –Ps 50:23 |
| PRAISE: | "Go and sell what you have and give to the poor; you will then have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow Me" (Mk 10:21). St. Anthony lived the Lord's command. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College