7 Powerful Prayers for Our Nation

Now, more than ever, we need to pray for our nation and government leaders!

Today it seems that our nation is taking sides and, as a whole, our nation is not headed down the right path. 

There are people on each side praying against the other side–their team, our team, their political party, our political party, their race, our race, their religion, our religion, and it goes on.

But we are all on the same team. Instead of praying against each other, let’s begin to pray with each other. The Bible tells us that a country divided will not stand.

If a kingdom is divided [split into factions and rebelling] against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. Mark 3:24 (AMP)

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How Can We Pray for Our Nation

As Christians, we know that prayer makes things happen. When we pray for ourselves, our loved ones, our circumstances, and others, God shows up in a powerful way. 

There is power in praying for a nation!

So, how can we pray for our nation?

We could take a page out of history and look back on our founding fathers who formed the document that has governed this country for the last 200+ years.

As they met day after day, constructing the governing policies for our nation, their efforts met opposition; no one could seem to agree. Finally, someone suggested that each meeting should begin with prayer for Providential guidance.

They acknowledged God’s authority and recognized their dependence on Him.

Our founding fathers recognized the importance of being dependent on God and setting up policies that would be fair, just, and good. Our nation needs that kind of awakening now.

We need to pray for peace and prosperity; for people and policies; we need to pray against pride and the powers of darkness that seek to destroy the good that American stand for.

We need to turn back to God, acknowledge His authority and great power, and our dependence on Him.

Prayer Points to Pray for Our Nation

Someone once said that prayer moves the hand of God. After Israel sinned against God, God was ready to destroy them and give Moses a new nation to lead. But Moses stood in the gap and begged God to spare Israel, and He did.

Esther united her countrymen in praying and fasting, and the Jewish people escaped annihilation. Daniel prayed for the return of captive Israel back to Jerusalem, and they were.

Joshua prayed as he led the Israelites into the promised land. Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead the nation, and God gave him wisdom and riches.

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land… Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV)

God is always looking for someone to stand in the gap for His people and pray. Our nation needs our prayers.

Here are some prayer points to consider when praying for our nation:

• Pray that the Scriptures would once again become the foundation on which we construct our policies, contracts, and covenants with each other and other countries. 
• Pray that our nation’s leaders – president, vice president, house of representatives, members of the assembly, members, of congress, police chiefs, mayors, and anyone else in a position of leadership over the nation – seeks Godly counsel in carrying out the duties of their respective stations.
• Pray that our country turns from the sin and selfish pride that plagues our nation and then humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God with a broken and contrite heart. 
• Pray that people turn back to God and embrace the two great commandments that Jesus said encompass all other commandments: love God with all your heart, mind, and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. 
• Pray that justice would be swift, true, and faithful. Pray that evildoers will receive their punishment in a way that would bring repentance and reform.

Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!

Scriptures to Pray for Our Nation

God gave this promise to Israel during one of their rebellious periods. But we, as Christians, can claim this promise for our nation today. We are God’s people, too.

We must humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face before He restores our country. Here are some Bible verses that give us hope of restoration as we wait upon the Lord to do his will.

• 2 Chronicle 7:14 (ESV) – If my people who are called by my name 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.
•  1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
• Psalm 20:6 (ESV) – Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
• Daniel 2:20-21 (ESV) – Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
• Psalm 33:12 (ESV) – Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
• Romans 12:12 (ESV) – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Prayers for Our Nation

The Bible is full of the promises of God, and He is faithful to keep each and every one of them. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, Israel was promised restoration of their land if they would repent and follow the one true God. This promise is for Christians today.  

Regardless of your home country, you and your fellow citizens are the body of Christ and should be praying for both federal government leaders and local government leaders. Pray that they are guided by the hand of the Lord, and not their own. Pray that the first place they seek wise counsel is the word of God.

Listed below are seven prayers for our nation. If we would pray one every day instead of only in times of crisis, I wonder what God could do?

Prayer for a Nation Divided

The easiest way for the enemy to make progress is to divide us from within. But when we forge a united front with God on our side, the enemy doesn’t have a chance!

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

The one thing that makes our nation different is the uniting of many diverse people. From the beginning, we have had our differences.

When those differences caused a problem, we came out of the debate gate with our fighting gloves on. And after resolving the differences, we returned to work and continued building our nation together.

Not since the Civil War has there seemingly been such a divide. Fortunately, we have been able to repair relationships after that travesty. Can we do it again?

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” — Abraham Lincoln.

Heavenly Father, we pray that the division that splits our country in half today would become the seam that binds us together tomorrow. Our many differences in this country are what make us unique.

Let us remember that although we are all different in some ways, we are the same in other ways. Please help us embrace the things we have in common and come to terms with the things that divide us.

Give us compassion to celebrate the differences we have as unique individuals. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for Unity of our Nation

Our nation is like one big family. And as with any family, sometimes people disagree. Not everyone agrees with social issues, law enforcement, tax collection, or money distribution (to name a few).

People become inclusive by associating with only those who agree with them. Or exclusive by shutting others out. Then the very loud and vocal groups become obtrusive, believing that everyone should do what they say.

As people of faith, we should be banding together for God’s Glory and for the preservation of peace and unity among all.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV)

The Bible has an answer for disharmony like this; it’s love. Love binds things together. Love is patient and kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude, and does not insist on having its way.

Love is not irritable or resentful, and instead of being glad when someone gets caught doing wrong, love finds joy in truth and brings it to every situation (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Almighty God, although our birthright calls us the United States of America, we have become very separated in our lifestyles, policies, and beliefs. Some cannot accept the condition of unity when ideas and standards are so different.

Please bring harmony among the citizens of the United States of America. Help us to extend mercy, love, and patience to our neighbors. In Jesus’ name, we ask all things.

Prayer for Repentance of Our Nation

America is heading in a direction that is not pleasing to God. We have excluded God and prayer from every public arena. The Ten Commandments have been removed from public display, literally and figuratively. 

Everyone wants to do what’s right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6) instead of seeking to do the will of the Father. As a nation, we must repent and follow the holy things of the Lord. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) 

Our way of thinking is irresponsible, destructive to our country, and we care more about pleasing ourselves than doing the right thing. Loving God and loving our fellow citizens should be what our country is all about, but it isn’t.

As a nation, we need to be sorrowful for our rebellion against a holy God, turn from our wicked ways of serving self and Satan, and be united back to the true love our heart desires—our Creator, God.

Lord God Almighty, open our eyes as a nation and allow us to see ourselves the same way you see us. We as a nation desire to gratify the flesh instead of being filled with your Spirit. 

We have allowed your name to be blasphemed through media, in our schools, by elected officials, and from the pulpit. We continue to see evil as good and good as evil. Our love of money, fame, and power have caused us to sin greatly against you and your commandments. 

Forgive us, Lord. Turn your wrath from us and heal our land. In the holy name of Jesus, we pray that You would forgive us of our sins and allow this country to be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayer for Our Nation to be Healed

Our country is hurting right now; there is no doubt. Broken people cause other broken people to be broken.

Many people don’t talk about the number of health issues that have skyrocketed during the months of the pandemic: suicides among young people, domestic abuse, depression, anxiety, and operations that were neglected because of it.

We can pray for those who are depressed and lonely.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 ESV

We can pray for our nation and ask God to heal those who are hurting. We can pray for more people to seek out God to fill what is missing in their lives.

Dear Lord, our country is hurting right now, not in our country alone, but all around the world; people need your healing touch. We need your forgiveness to flow through us so we can forgive others.

We need your kindness to rest upon us so we can be kind to others. And we need your courage to empower us to help those who cannot help themselves. People need loving words spoken over them and loving arms wrapped around them.

Allow us to be an extension of your hands as we sit beside those who are hurting, hold hands with those who are dying, and embrace those who are anxious and afraid. Let them see you in us as we extend grace and mercy to them. May your name be praised forever. Amen.

Prayer for the Protection of Our Nation

Our nation was built upon biblical principles. Our currency literally says “In God We Trust.” So it should come as no surprise that the enemy is always scheming to find ways to take us down.

But our God is stronger (and smarter) than the enemy!

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV)

It is time for us to pray for the protection of our nation against enemy forces. Pray against any strategy or tactic the enemy can use against our nation to try and make us fall! God is the one who raises up kings and kingdoms.

But if we reflect on God’s promises, we know His Word tells us that he will go before us, protect us, drive away our enemies, and raise us up to praise his name. 

Father in heaven, we thank you for your many promises in your Word that you will take care of us. At this time, the enemy is surrounding us, not only at our door, but he has thoroughly infiltrated the barriers and is harassing us in every way.

We know the battle is not really with man, but it’s spiritual. We ask that you break down the spiritual strongholds in our country and every evilness that comes against you.

Thank you for being our rock, protector, hiding place, and strong and mighty tower. Keep us safe and deliver us from evil. For yours is the glory and the power forever. Amen.

Prayer for Our Nation’s Leaders

Praying for a nation’s leaders is important for the well-being of any nation. God institutes good leaders as a blessing to us, and God uses bad leaders to avenge evildoers. 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)

We need to pray for all leaders in our country, beginning with the President and Vice President. But this country has a lot of leading positions.

We have leaders who run the governing bodies of Congress, all judges, courts, supreme courts and local courts, all branches of our military, federal leaders, state leaders, city leaders, educational leaders, law officers, police chiefs, and church leaders.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the people you have placed in leadership positions. Thank you for establishing our nation in a way that each body is accountable to another.

Thank you for your governing powers. Romans 13 tells us that the rulers you appoint are not a terror to good conduct but a terror to bad behavior. Please give us the grace we need to leave peaceably with all people.

May we honor those in authority with our words, devotion, and good behavior, so your name is glorified. Give our leaders wisdom to carry out your will, courage to stand against evil, and discernment to differentiate between right and wrong. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer for Our Nation to See Revival

In the 1960s, America experienced what some call a revival; most people knew it as the Jesus Movement. During this era, young people were experimenting with things different from what their parents were doing. 

They experimented with mind-altering drugs, Eastern mysticism, and the occult. They rebelled against social norms with protests, riots, and rock music. But many of the young people were saved, which caused the Jesus Movement to sweep across America.

We need that kind of revival today. Riots, protests, hating, rebelling, stealing, and killing are nothing unique to any generation. These acts of rebellion towards God have gone on for centuries.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

But out of the darkness, God’s light always burns brighter, lighting the way to renewed life in Christ. America needs a revival; let’s pray it comes soon.

Father God, you are the Creator of all things. To you only is due honor and praise. You have created humankind in your image, and in each of us, you have planted a tiny flicker in our hearts that long to burn brightly for you. 

Father, may your Spirit work in the hearts of people all over this great nation and woo us back to your love, your compassion, your peace. May we all fall before your throne with broken hearts and turn back to you. 

May the fearful find courage in you. May the anxious find peace of mind in you. May those who seek you find you while there is still time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In 1834, two British ministers visited the newly formed United States and recorded the following observation, “America will be great if America is good. If not, her greatness will vanish away like a morning cloud.”

Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Exodus 18:21 (ESV)

The only goodness America has had is the reflection of God’s goodness. It may seem that America’s greatness has lost its luster. But our fight is not with flesh and blood, so it may be difficult for us to see the real battle. 

However, there is a battle, and prayer is our most powerful weapon against our nation’s enemies. So let’s begin with prayer and ask for His guidance in voting for good candidates. Let’s serve in public positions, be involved in community activities, and volunteer in church outreach.

In praying for our nation, be sure to also pray for our military and pray for our veterans to thank God for their sacrifice!

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