A Prayer for Our Nation
It’s that time of the year when several of us are offering a prayer for our nation. In the United States, we’re about to collide with election day on November 3. Whether times are good or bad, our nation desperately needs prayer.
Will you be a prayer warrior–whether for the United States or another country? Read further for a prayer for our nation.
Why Do You Pray for the Country?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 calls us to pray continually. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 prompts us to pray, intercede, petition, and give thanksgiving for those in authority. This includes the leadership of our country. It also mentions praying for all people, which covers our communities, states, and nation.
We pray for the country because, as people of faith, we’re called to a communion time with the Lord on behalf of others and for decisions made by leaders that will impact many.
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How Do We Pray for Our Nations and Leaders
Some of us might be asking how do we pray for our nations and leaders? There are a variety of answers. We can pray out loud, quietly with us and God, at the dinner table, in the car, or in a group–to name a few. Here are three pieces of content for your prayers leading up to and beyond the election.
- Pray for Wisdom
James 1:5 offers a whole lot of hope. In it, we’re promised wisdom if we ask for it. Pray for leaders that have hearts willing to yearn for wisdom and for lips that’ll utter that request. Pray that our leaders will be instilled with wisdom from the Holy Spirit. - Pray Our Nation Leaders Will Hear God
In 1 Samuel 3, we read about a young boy who hears God–not just once, but several times. Pray for leaders who hear God clearly. - Pray for Courage
Joshua, in the Bible book of Joshua, exhibited great courage. Our leaders will face situations in which they will need courage as well. May they muster strength that comes only from God Almighty. May they be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, as Ephesians 6:10 says.
A Prayer for Our Nation by Billy Graham
A man deeply rooted and respected in the Christian faith, Billy Graham, was known as the “Pastor to the Presidents.” Even though he now resides in heaven, his voice and love for the United States continue to be remembered and recited.
This prayer mentions America, but it can easily be used as a prayer for any nation.
A Prayer for Our Nation to Recite Today
Father,
Forgive us for turning from You. Forgive us for stubborn and rebellious hearts, for necks that have turned stiff to the obedience of Your ways. Forgive our leaders and the citizens of our nation. We desire to follow You with softened hearts that beat with trust and a holy fear of You, Almighty God. We pray for ears that hear and eyes that see so that we’ll not be led astray but will walk solidly in Your ways.
Our hope is not in man. It’s in You. With You we overcome the enemy. You’re our true Help. With You we see salvation and hold an expectation of heaven. With you, we truly love. May we treat our neighbors with great love, Lord, the kind that comes from Above. May we vote with wisdom and great discernment. May our leaders do the same with the weighty decisions they will face. May they lead with a holiness that comes from You.
Throw the enemy into confusion, and let no weapon formed prosper–not against the United States, the leaders of Your choosing, and our country’s people. Be exalted, Lord, we love you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Our nation most definitely is in great need of prayer! Billy Graham’s prayer is such a beautiful and powerful prayer. We can sure use it as a great example in how to pray!
Agreeing on all counts, April. We are a people in need of prayer.
Love this, Kristi! I think I’ve been struggling with what exactly to pray lately. This season can be so frustrating, right? I’ll be keeping your tips in mind for sure.
Glad to share a prayer or two, Ashley, and I’m equally glad to hear you’re focused on praying for our nation.
Heavenly Father, I pray for the souls of our nation and for all who serve to protect us from evil. Help us to fight the evil one with your light and your love. Guide our leaders in your ways and keep them from the enemy. In your holy name Father, Amen.
Amen, Sharyl. Thank you for praying for our nation.