Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.
–Hebrews 4:16
The need to pray for our nation—and the people who call America home—is more urgent than ever. Though our spiritual heritage is rich, the fabric of society has been unraveling for decades.
We all know it.
The good news is that, as Christ-followers, we have the privilege and the authority of coming before God to ask for help, healing and revival.
We can stand in the gap to intercede for our nation and our people.
We can pray—and make a difference.
In fact, we can improve the spiritual landscape of our nation with the power of prayer.
What is prayer, exactly?
Prayer is conversation with God. It’s a holy conversation, talking and listening with The One who loves you most.
Prayer connects us to the One who has the power to make real and lasting changes—in our lives, in our nation, and in the world. Because of God’s mighty power, coupled with His infinite wisdom and unconditional love for all of us, we can have peace knowing that He’s in control despite circumstances.
Here’s the thing. Prayer releases the power of heaven to protect and defend us. And our good and faithful God helps us through both the valleys and the victories of life.
Prayer is not a magical set of words you use to get what you want from God. It’s not judged by how long you pray or how loud. When you pray in faith—simply and sincerely—you each prayer can be a powerful moment.
Simply put: Prayer changes things. And it changes us.
So, how can we pray powerfully for our nation?
1. First, we come before God individually. We come with a heart of humble repentance and ask for forgiveness for personal sins and wrongdoings. “If my people, who are called by my name, will 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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
2. Then, we come before God together. We can pray together in church and in small groups (when gathering is allowed again after the virus crisis)—or pray virtually online. We can also come together to pray for our nation through the annual event, the National Day of Prayer.
Tell me about the National Day of Prayer 2020
This year, National Day of Prayer Observance will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
If we didn’t have COVID-19 virus restrictions, there would usually be more than 60,000 events happening across the country for the National Day of Prayer. Instead, this year, we can watch the nationwide virtual prayer event and pray from our own homes, apartments, condos, cabins, or other dwellings.
Who are some of the leaders leading prayer at this event?
Kathy Branzell (NDP President) and Will Graham (grandson of Billy Graham) will be hosting the event. Other leaders include Michael W. Smith and his wife Debbie, Andrew Palau, Robert Morris, Nick Hall, Harry Jackson, Jim Cymbala, Billy Wilson, Pat Robertson, Greg Stier, Gabby Odom, Blair Linne, and more.
Where can I watch or listen to the National Day of Prayer 2020 Observance?
• Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020
• Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time/7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Central Time/6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Mountain Time/5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Pacific Time
• How to watch: Watch a livestream on the National Day of Prayer website, www.nationaldayofprayer.org
How can I pray for America?
Here are a few suggestions of how to pray for America as you prepare your heart for the annual National Day of Prayer—or pray any time.
Pray for our national leaders, state leaders and local leaders. Whether you agree or disagree with who’s in office, we are called to pray for those in authority. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Pray for the Armed Forces, the honorable men and women serving our country so we can have freedom and peace. For their health and safety, and their families.
Pray for the integrity of the Family. For marriages to be strong and healthy. For men and women to parent well, with integrity, love and wisdom. For singles, to make wise choices in whom they date and marry. And for those who don’t have a family, that we would see the need for community and include them.
Pray for Education. For teachers, administrators, volunteers to teach and lead students well so they become wise and compassionate men and women one day. That there would be resources they need to teach well and keep children safe.
Pray for the Media and Entertainment Industry. That God would shine His light in the dark places. That He would raise up creative people to produce positive and life-giving entertainment.
Pray that God would heal our land. We are divided, not united, in these United States on many social issues and political issues. We need God’s mighty power to work in each of us to heal the hatred, bring forth truth and justice, and help us move forward with peace.
Pray for spiritual revival in America—and in the world. For the continued blessing of God’s favor upon our nation. As Psalm 33:12 tells us, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”
Pray for whatever else comes to your heart for our people, our leaders and our nation.
Prayer changes things!
It’s time to press in and pray on. With God’s power at work in us, anything is possible.
Let’s look forward to a new day in each of our hearts—with hope and joy for America and the amazing people who call it home.
Key Verses to Pray for Our Nation
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
PRAYER RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson:
Power Prayers for Women
Prayers With Purpose for Women
Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough
Prayer against COVID-19 (for coronavirus to stop)
PHOTO CREDIT: Girl with flag, Frank McKenna, Unsplash
