National Day of Prayer is Next Week: Here's Why Praying for Our Country Is So Important
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the power and significance of prayer, especially when it comes to praying for our country. We so often feel powerless when we see what’s happening in America, but we must always remember that God has all power!
National Day of Prayer is next week, Thursday, May 2, and it's a crucial time for us to pause and reflect on why dedicating time to pray for our nation is so important.
It Benefits Us as Believers
Scripture emphasizes the connection between praying for our country and our own well-being. The Prophet Jeremiah said:
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. ”
When we don’t see eye to eye with our country’s leaders, it’s easy to get irritated, angry, and even defiant. But we should remember that the early church faced horrible persecution from their governing authorities, and they didn’t take up swords. Instead, they prayed for them, since they understood that our well-being is attached to the well-being of our leaders.
That’s why Paul instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-15 that believers pray for all people, including those in authority, so that “we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
It Brings Peace
It’s easy to look at current events and feel uneasy and even frightened at times. However, praying for our country not only benefits the nation — it also brings peace to our own hearts when it comes to things outside of our control. As we entrust our concerns to God through prayer, we experience his peace that surpasses all understanding.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ”
It Honor Leaders and Shows Submission
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ”
Authority is a common subject throughout scripture, and that’s because it’s difficult for our flesh to submit to those in authority in our lives — especially if we are at odds with them. Praying for our country and its leaders helps align our hearts with God’s will, honoring and submitting to the leaders in our lives.
In the above scripture in Romans, Paul speaks about the importance of respecting authority, and this applies to our spiritual, professional, and governmental authorities. Through prayer, we humble ourselves before God and acknowledge his divine order.
It Promotes Unity in Our Country
In a time marked by division and strife, unity seems like a pipe dream. But all things are possible with God, and praying for our country is essential for promoting unity. Matthew 12:25 reminds us that any kingdom, city, or house divided against itself will not stand. And praying for our nation allows us to strive for healing and restoration, bridging the gaps that separate us from our neighbors.
It Gives Us a Chance to Repent
To be aligned with God’s will in our own lives, we often need to repent. Praying for our country can lead to needed times of repentance within the church itself. Daniel’s prayer is a great example of this sentiment:
“We do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God. ”
As we intercede on behalf of our nation, we must examine our hearts, crucify our fleshly desires, and realign ourselves with God's will. Only then will we be able to see the amazing hand of God working in America.
Remember — God Is in Control!
“For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. ”
Praying for our country is an act of faith, acknowledging that God is ultimately and always in control. By lifting our nation up in prayer, we demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to guide and protect us — no matter what may come!
As National Day of Prayer approaches, remember the profound importance of praying for our country. It is an act of faith, a demonstration of love for our neighbors, and a corporate commitment to seek God's guidance and provision. By lifting our nation up in prayer, we invite God's presence and power to work among us, bringing about healing, unity, and transformation.
So, let’s come together in prayer, believing in the power of God to bring about change in our nation and in our own hearts!