A Prayer for Unification on the National Day of Prayer
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me. Say to me, ‘I am your salvation.’” - Psalm 35:1-3
Listen or Read Below:
Looking back 250 years, America’s founders' actions reveal a deeply ingrained belief in the importance of corporate prayer. They sought to shape the nation's future not only by winning physical battles but also by triumphing in the spiritual realm.
When they met together for the first time on September 7, 1774, as the Continental Congress of the United States, they opened with prayer and the reading of Psalm 35 by Rev. Jacob Duché.
Overcoming denominational differences, they gathered to pray—uniting Congregationalists, Anglicans, Quakers, Dutch Reformed, Baptists, Lutherans, Puritans, and Presbyterians. They set aside their differences to join in one accord, praying for the shared purpose of birthing the United States of America.
What are we doing on this year’s National Day of Prayer? As we mark this special 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth, are we planning to join fellow citizens in praying for God’s divine guidance and protection over our country?
Below are five ways we can focus on prayer this year with millions of believers across our land who will be praying together for our nation.
1. Pray for national repentance among our leaders and citizens.
As it happened in the days of Jonah, it can happen again in our nation when we unite in repentance. In the story of Jonah and the wicked city of Nineveh, God called the entire city to pray and repent. Even the animals were included in their fasting and repentance.
As it happened then, it can happen again. “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened” (Jonah 3:10).
2. Pray for America to be humble before God.
As 2 Chronicles 7:14 urges:
“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.”
Just as in Jonah 3:10, we see God’s gracious response to corporate prayer: relenting rather than bringing destruction.
3. Pray with faith in the power of prayer.
Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombe reminds us of George Washington’s writings and actions during the Revolutionary War, noting how he relied heavily on prayer. Despite overwhelming odds, he believed victory would come through it.
4. Pray for another Great Awakening in our nation.
Ask God to renew hearts and minds so that people look to Him as our provider and protector. As Newcombe writes, “The Great Awakening absolutely helped the cause of independence.” Even before it, ministers, especially those from New England, helped shape the colonists’ understanding of their God-given rights.
5. Pray for miracles in our nation this coming year.
In Miracles in American History, author, historian, and speaker William J. Federer highlights the many national calls to prayer leading up to and throughout the founding of the United States, and the miracles that followed.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its birth, let us, as believers, put our denominational differences aside for a day, so that we may join together to pray for our country.
Lead us with Your Holy Spirit in how to pray, giving us wisdom and insight into the current and future needs of our nation and our individuals.
Help us come together in Christian unity, so the world may witness Your love at work in Your Church.
As we pray, soften the hearts of our citizens to respond to a national call for repentance. Draw our men and women to humble themselves before You, to pray and seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways.
Strengthen our faith to believe in the power of prayer and to seek another Great Awakening in America. We, too, ask for miracles to occur in our nation and in the lives of our leaders and compatriots.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Samuel Schneider
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships, with Debra Fileta
In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others.
Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 07 May 2026.
SHARE
