The election is over and the screaming national rhetoric will be taken down a couple of notches (hopefully!). If the last few elections have taught us anything it is that our nation is fundamentally divided. The Republicans maintain control of the Senate and the Democrats won control of the House of Representatives – a picture of our national polarization. How can we pray for America?
The Apostle Paul understood that he had a much better chance of sharing the gospel if he was able to “get along” with the local Roman authorities (Rom. 12:18). Although he often got into trouble for preaching the Gospel, he encouraged his churches to “get along” as much as possible with all the authorities and to pray for them (Rom. 13:1).
Three Ways to Pray for America
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Even with our struggles, the United States of America is still the most powerful nation on earth. Everything we do has a global impact. It is vital that we stand for what is right.
Abraham Lincoln famously said, “My concern is not whether God is on my side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” It is imperative that we pray for our nation.
Do not underestimate the power of your prayers. Here are three ways you can pray for America.
1. Pray for your local, state, and national leaders and encourage them.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up …” (1 Thess. 5:11).
Praying is the first step. But, you should also encourage community leaders.
They are constantly hearing about everything that is wrong with our country. They are constantly dealing with complaints.
Write a letter, send an email, make a phone call, and let them know what they are doing right. Or, at least, let them know you appreciate how hard they are trying and that you are praying for them.
You’d be surprised at what a difference that will make!
2. Pray for the young adults of our nation.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12)
The young are not just the future of our nation – they are our present. The Millennial generation is now the largest in our nation. Their voting power and leadership skills will soon be felt in a major way.
The Apostle Paul said, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Col. 3:21).
We should not look down on the young or complain about them, but rather lift them up and pray for them.
3. Pray for spiritual awakening in our nation.
… 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” (1 Chron. 7:14).
Ultimately, the only real impact on our nation will be a spiritual awakening in the hearts of Americans.
Too many are looking for answers in all the wrong places. Too many have idolized leaders, expecting them to lead us out of trouble. Too many have placed themselves at the center of their concerns, rather than seeking the Jesus way of placing God first, and others second (Luke 10:27).
We must pray without giving up (1 Thess. 5:17) for a new Spiritual Awakening in our nation.
Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). We must pray for a supernatural work of God’s Spirit that will draw all people to Jesus.
Never give up on praying for your country!
