In 1952 President Harry Truman signed a bill into law, making the National Day of Prayer an annual event on the first Thursday of May, encouraging millions across our nation to unite together to pray.
We’ve come a long way since that day.
Our nation is in desperate need of prayer.
Maybe now, in this time of history, more than ever before. And what is needed is more than just one day out of a year to pray for our country, however great and powerful that is. We need continual, consistent, fervent days of prayer. We need hearts that are being changed by God’s forgiveness and care. We need believers to unite, those who are loving, bold, and willing to take a stand. We need a nation that comes back to our God, asking Him for grace and healing.
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin or how to pray. We just know we have a deep ache in our hearts that cries out for God’s mercy, and a longing to see him heal our land. And maybe other times we wonder how effective our prayers even are.
But God is faithful, no matter how we feel, and over all that swirls around us in our nation today.
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God has always been with us, working to help us.
That same power that broke prison chains, that raised Lazarus from the dead, and parted the Red Sea… the same power that healed the blind man, and delivered the delirious from demons, that same power is at work still today.
He is the same. Yesterday, today, and forever.
May we stand together and pray for God to heal our land, and strengthen His people. May we pray for all those in authority. May we pray for God’s miraculous intervening, for blind eyes to be opened, for many to see the power of our Lord as never before.
And for times when it’s difficult to know even what to pray, we can trust these words as a place to begin, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
We are never left to fend for ourselves, wrestling in worry, consumed with fear, or driven towards hate. He reminds us He is with us, He will help us, that He hasn’t lost control, but has a plan. And His purposes will prevail.
He hears our prayers, He knows our needs. There’s great power in uniting together, turning our hearts towards God, and praying on behalf of our nation.
For it’s often in the very times of greatest tension and struggle, that we need, more than ever, to come together as one, unified, and strong.
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The enemy fights hardest when he knows we're making a difference.
And we can be assured, it’s in those times, that Satan is fighting the hardest. For he knows that’s when we have the greatest potential to make a difference in this world.
The enemy fights the hardest when he knows we’re making a difference. Don’t let him win.
He knows that we’re stronger together as we encourage one another on. He’s aware that we’re courageous and brave when we’re covering one another in prayer. He understands that the unity of believers through the power of Jesus Christ, is a force that can’t be reckoned with. For it’s hard to tear apart a cord of three strands, which can’t be easily broken.
Remembering today this powerful truth upon which this nation was founded. We are “One Nation Under God.” He is where our real hope is found, not in our leaders, not in our economy, not in the condition of our nation today, or any other day. “…my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5
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4 Specific Prayer Points from the 2018 National Day of Prayer Committee:
1. ASK GOD TO BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord—the people He has chosen to be His own possession!” Psalm 33:12
2. PRAY FOR UNITY IN AMERICA
“Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
3. PRAY FOR THE CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN AMERICA
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
4. ASK GOD FOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER ON THURSDAY, MAY 3, TO BECOME A CATALYTIC SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT ACROSS AMERICA
“They all were continually united in prayer.” Acts 1:14
Prayer for Our Nation and for Unity:
Dear God,
Thank you for your great power. We praise you for your truth and love. We’re grateful that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death.
We ask that you would be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, providing your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you’d bring about an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your Name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence the Name of Jesus would be thwarted and crushed.
We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned.
We pray that you would unify your people for the glory of your Name, that all who call themselves Christians would rise up strong, together.
Wake us up Lord! Remind us to live aware, to redeem the time, to listen to your words, to be willing to make a difference in this land.
We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them your wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people.
We pray for your great healing on our land. Shine your face on us dear God. Let your glory cover this nation. We need you now, more than ever before. Our times are in your hands.
Thank you that you are rich in mercy and full of grace. Thank you that you are forgiving and merciful. Thank you that you are strong and mighty. Thank you that you are for us and that you fight for us still today. Bring honor to your Name, Oh Lord, for You alone are worthy.
In the Powerful Name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.
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20 Verses to Pray for Our Nation:
Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28
“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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He choose for His inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
“He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge…” Isaiah 33:6
It is “God who changes the times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21
“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 6:12
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:12
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“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6
“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
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:28
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7
“So now, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his supplications, and for your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine…” Daniel 9:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17
“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.” 1 Peter 2:9
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
“They all were continually united in prayer.” Acts 1:14
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives.
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Originally published Wednesday, 02 May 2018.
