"One nation under God..."
This country was founded on God's word. Oaths have been taken in His name. Many of our laws are based on Scripture. God's name is in our Declaration of Independence and His name is written on our currency.
Somewhere along the way, we have shut God out. We have veered away and sought to navigate independent of Him. His ways no longer fit conveniently into our postmodern world. We prefer to change the rules instead of adjust our behavior.
My objective in writing today is not political. I have dear friends and family who sit on both sides of the political aisle. Neither do I find any satisfaction in tearing down those in authority. I'm simply asking God to build us up. All of us.
The words I write today are a pure request for God to save us. Change us. To redeem our country. To put us back on course. I'm asking God to bless us, help us and have mercy on us. from the top down.
And I'm asking you today to please join me.
Sovereign Lord, I lift up our nation to You. You have blessed us and established us since the beginning. You have been our shield and our covering of protection. You have made us a great nation on this earth.
Our forefathers honored You on historical documents, solemn oaths and in courtrooms. Songs have been written proclaiming Your glory in our beautiful land. Your precepts have been the very foundation this country was built on. You have been our might, our justice, our freedom and our victory.
We bow our knees and our hearts in thanksgiving to You for preserving us. We also bow with contrite hearts for not giving You the honor and praise You are due. For not walking in Your ways. Forgive us, Lord. Have mercy on us, most merciful Father. We have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly, and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. (Daniel 9:5)
Father, we have forsaken You, the fountain of living waters, to hew for ourselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13) We have worshiped gods who cannot save and turned away from You. There is no other God beside You, a righteous God and Savior. (Isaiah 45:21)
Pour out Your Spirit on us. Revive our hearts, O Lord! Rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence, as fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil - to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence! For from of old they have not heard nor perceived by ear, neither has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of one who waits for Him. (Isaiah 64:1-2,4) Oh that we would ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it! (Jeremiah 6:16)
Father, the king's heart is like channels of water in Your hand, You turn it wherever You will. (Proverbs 21:1) Give our President wisdom and discernment in all he does. Instruct him in the way he should go. Surround him and his family with protection. Also surround them with those who will counsel them wisely. Guard them in all their ways.
I lift up all who are in office in this country, all who are in positions of authority, and pray that You would protect them and give them wisdom, knowledge and acute discernment for the jobs that they hold. I lift up our military, our intelligence agencies and all who are in law enforcement and pray Your protection over them. Establish their steps, Lord. Strengthen them and equip them. Bless them and their families.
Father, You alone are our hope and our future. Turn the hearts of Americans toward You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you struggle to find the words to pray.
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