The time: World War II. The place: Shanghai, China. Once I bustling city, now the streets were quiet; desolation filling the air. The inhabitants of the city only left their homes if they had too. But not Watchman Nee. He visited Christian homes, praying with the believers, and encouraging them in the Lord.
One thing burdened him though. As he visited home after home, one theme ran through all their prayers, "Lord, give us the victory. Stop Japan so that we may gain the victory, please Lord Jesus."
Watchman Nee knew this was the cry of the Chinese Christians, but were there not Christians in Japan and Germany and America too who were crying the same thing? Were they all praying for themselves and against their enemies?
How then are we to pray in wartime, he asked himself. Matthew 6:9-10 held the answer: "In this manner, therefore, pray... Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." He knew the answer, and was excited to share it with others.
Gathering together a group of believers, he told them, "I want to talk to you, not as Chinese people, but as men and women in Christ." He then proceeded to give them a history of how God has used government in the lives of the people.
"God is not interested in the future of a particular nation," Watchman said, gazing around the room gravely, "but in the obedience of His people all over the world."
The people shifted uncomfortably in their seats. He continued, "When we pray, it must be possible for British and German, for Chinese and Japanese Christians to kneel and pray together, and all to say 'Amen' to what is asked. If not, there is something wrong with our prayer, for we are all one body of believers in the Lord's eyes."
Nee could see them look uncomfortably at each other. He knew the were wondering, Could we kneel together with Japanese Christians, and pray together? These are our enemies? Are they not in the wrong? In response to these unasked questions, Nee said, "We may tell God what we see wrong with the attitude Japan has toward Him--but we must also confess to God that in China may Christians have too much relationship with the government."
"What then shall we pray?" questioned the believers.
"As Christians, we must be different from the others and pray in this way, 'Father, we ask neither for a Chinese nor a Japanese victory--but for whatever will bring glory to your Son, Jesus Christ.'"
Nee looked around the room at the faces who loved Jesus more than life itself. "If the whole Church around the world prayed such a prayer, the war could soon be settled God's way. But let it begin with us..."
We too must be willing to ask not for what we think is best, but what God knows is best. Join with Jesus in praying this way,
"Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
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