Prayers for Our Nation
Friends, we know we are living in a space of time that is out of the ordinary, to say the least! If the story of 2020 were written as a book, reviews would probably label it as poorly written fiction, too bizarre to be believable. Yes, for many, it has been that unusual!
Regardless of our political views, medical beliefs and stances on different subjects, most of us will agree that our country is strongly divided on several issues. There are a lot of us that are also just worn out over the issues. We can’t escape the talk of them, not matter where we turn.
For today, let’s turn to prayer. We’re going to offer a few requests to the Lord, but let’s discuss a few of these thoughts and scriptures together and see if our drive for answered prayer is strong enough.
Where to Begin: Prayers for Our Nation
As we pray for our nation, let us start by reading 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says:
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
We’re walking with the Lord faithfully, trying to do a work for Him, offering our time and energy to try to lift others up. Even so, let us do a self-evaluation and heart examination first. Change starts with us as individuals.
Have we applied 2 Chronicles 7:14 to our own lives?
Do we approach God humbly? Have we allowed pride to creep into our spirits?
Have we turned from our own sinful ways? Are we permitting “small” sins and attitudes to stay with us, while making a call to prayer for others to join us?
Before we go any further, this first step is necessary in every child of God if we truly want to see results. We don’t want to pray for our nation as we continue to watch it get worse. We want to pray for our nation and watch the Lord do a mighty work, right?! But first, it must start with us. This really can’t be emphasized enough.
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Scriptures to Pray for America
Let us consider a few other scriptures that agree with 2 Corinthians 7:14:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Proverbs 14:34
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
A nation that God will show Himself strong in requires action on our part first. A changed nation begins with me.
How much do we want to see Him move? Are we willing to truly work on ourselves first?
Once we’ve done our part to examine ourselves, our efforts will begin to reach beyond us. We will watch the efforts that began with ourselves begin to impact our homes first, and then the street we live on, then our neighborhood, our city, our state and our country.
Next, let us recall some of the words found in the Lord’s prayer, in Matthew 6:9-10:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Do we recall what makes up the kingdom of God? Romans 14:17 tells us that it is righteousness, peace and joy! If the Lord’s prayer was our template, and He wants us to pray for His kingdom to come to where we are, all of us should begin to believe more in the power of God moving in our midst, that we do in the evil that we give credit to for closing in around us.
1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Isaiah 60:2-3 also encourages us in what the Lord will do: “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:2-3
If we have cleansed our own hearts, fine-tuned our own lives and are working on increasing our own faith, let us do one more thing before we pray.
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More Prayers for Our Nation
We can not make others change through our own efforts much of the time, but we can still do our part to offer peace and unity when possible. Consider each passage of scripture below:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there is no division among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10
Visit social media for ten minutes and see the unmistakable contention and hostility toward each other in many posts. We CAN NOT let that be us! We MUST respond with truth IN LOVE, and when we cannot, we need to hold our peace. With so many opinions and ideas and confusions about what is happening all around us, a soft answer is part of our contribution. Even though the above passages are dealing mostly with the body of Christ, we can let the principles affect us with those around us as well.
And with the scriptures and actions above leading the way for prayers for our nation, let us be encouraged and be guided by each of the following scriptures:
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zech. 4:6
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
Friends, our hearts in tune and in love with our Lord, the workings of faith increased and in use, let us go to the throne of grace. Let us approach our Lord with our pleas and thankfulness for all that He will do for us.
Final Thoughts
Our nation is hurting, and it needs strong Christians that look beyond the turmoil of the hour, and onto the miracles and victories that will impact our country! Yes, Jesus said that there will be tribulation in this life, but we don’t have to lay down and accept every trial as being carved in stone. To do so is to say that our God is powerless. Let us approach Him with faith, and as we walk through our following days, let us keep our eyes open and praise Him for the big and small victories. Our praise and thankfulness should be daily to Him!
“Mighty God, I come to You today with prayers for this great nation You have blessed me to be a part of. I am grateful that You have given me the freedom to worship You in this beautiful country!
Lord, You see the turmoil that has surrounded our entire country, and as Your child, I am bringing my petitions to You and asking You to move. Your Word says that You roam the earth to show Yourself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are completely given to You.
Jesus, our country needs many miracles right now. I will remember to praise You and share Your goodness with others as You reach down and touch our situations.
Mighty God, please stop the riots and violence. Please open the eyes of those who are involved and convict their hearts against harming others. Please protect those who are being targeted.
Please wrap a shield of protection and strength around our officers that are facing such hostility and uncertainty by those who want to see their demise. Bless them for their service of protecting us.
Please bless our frontline workers who have faced the fears that have gripped this nation, and continued to serve the public through their own fears.
Please let COVID and the fear that has shut down much of our nation make its exit. Please heal those affected by the illness and restore those who have been impacted in other areas brought on because of the virus. Help families to have food on their tables, and open new opportunities for those who have lost their businesses during this difficult time.
Jesus, please help me to offer kindness and assistance to my neighbors and those whose paths I cross. Please help me to ease the burden of someone today who is overwhelmed with all that this year has brought on. Show me where I am needed, and let me do my part as a citizen, and as a child of the King.
Please help my brothers and sisters to be encouraged, to cling to You, and to gain strength and hope with each passing day.
We need You in every area of our own lives and the lives and situations all around our country. Thank You that I can come to You with my needs, and know that You hear and that You care. You are my greatest hope, my Miracle Worker, my Deliverer, Healer and so much more!
I will remember to praise You for all that You are doing, and I thank You, my Lord Jesus. I love You, Lord!
I pray these things in Your Precious Name. Amen.”
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