Pray For Our Nation
President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4, 1952. Each year since that date, Americans have observed the day in their own way.
The observance moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan and has been proclaimed each year.
1 Timothy 2:1-6, 8
“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. This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ... Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”
As you pause throughout this day and pray for our nation, I encourage you to join me and use this prayer guide.
The observance moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan and has been proclaimed each year.
1 Timothy 2:1-6, 8
“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. This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ... Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”
As you pause throughout this day and pray for our nation, I encourage you to join me and use this prayer guide.
- Lord, we are here to stand in the gap for our land before you and to lift up our country and our leaders.
- Please protect our country from the division that challenges our ability to live lives pleasing to you.
- Defend the vulnerable and voiceless, and bring justice to those who have suffered injustice. Realign and unify your people in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the author and protector of our faith.
- We confess our sin of putting our own will above Yours, which you have laid out in Your Word.
- Forgive us. We are prideful — wise in our own eyes — and have forsaken Your Word for our desires. Please humble us and help us to submit to Your ways.
- Grant us wisdom in how to walk before You in these trying times. May our prayers be in alignment with Your will, and may You hear them.
- Lord, help us daily put on the armor of God, stand firm, and commit to pray for our community and country. Help us shine the love and mercy of God, never losing sight that our struggle is not with other people but against the spiritual forces that influence us. We pray for revival and spiritual awakening to sweep throughout our country and the world. Amen.