Excerpted from Intercessors for America" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“The specter of economic doomsday makes war between China and the United States as unthinkable as fear of nuclear doomsday made Soviet-U.S. war. Or does it? In fact, Chinese and American military planners are thinking in exquisite detail, as they are expected to do, about how to win such a conflict. The problem is that the specific plans being concocted could make hostilities less unthinkable, and two great powers with every reason to avoid war could find themselves in one.

Having been impotent against two U.S. aircraft carriers during the Taiwan crisis of 1996, the People's Liberation Army has concluded, as Chinese military writings show, that the best way to avoid another such humiliation is by striking U.S. forces before they strike China. While not seeking war, the Chinese especially dread a long one, in which the full weight of American military strength would surely prevail. So they are crafting plans and fielding capabilities to take out U.S. carriers, air bases, command-and-control networks and satellites early and swiftly.

Reports such as this need not engender fear, though that is a temptation. This report is in the realm of "War Games," a sort of speculation that analysts at the Rand Corp. and elsewhere are trained and paid to do. Nothing has been announced publicly that would cause us to expect a U.S.-China world war. But could such a scenario actually happen? Yes, sadly, much of the world is poised in a mentality of arrogance and conquest. As a prayer focus, it serves to remind intercessors that we live in a fragile, tenuous, "Alice-in-Wonderland" world being held together by God's providence and His purposes. It is an environment of dishonesty, where words mean only what the speaker wants them to mean at the moment; where international handshakes may be empty gestures; and where announced "peace talks" do not result in peace. First, then, let our intercession begin with worship and thanksgiving, even as we read of "wars and rumors of wars."

Thank God for his mercy, restraining the many evils that could occur but which are held back through His kindness, giving Christians, churches, and ministries in our nation more time for sharing the gospel and seeing friends and family come to salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, as we intercede, let us pray, as Jesus taught, for His kingdom to come on earth, as it is in heaven. In it all, may God be praised, worshiped, and thanked for His protection and grace.

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matt. 24:6) "[Jesus said], Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'" (Matt. 6:9-13)