The month of July is a great time to pray for America. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges prayer for all, including those in authority.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT)
These are desperate times, and the church must become desperate in prayer on behalf of our nation and its leadership. No more “now I lay me down to sleep” kind of prayer. We must pray in alignment with God’s will. Our prayers must reach the heart of almighty God. We must pray fervently for our nation and our leaders if we want to have a positive impact on America’s destiny.
In Acts, the believers faced a huge dilemma, but chose to pray. Note how they prayed.
As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. 24 When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— 25 you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, ‘Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? 26 The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the LORD and against his Messiah.’ 27 “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28 But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:23-31 (NLT)
They offered praise to God, mentioned their specific problem to the Lord and asked for God’s help. They asked God to help them deal with the trouble they were facing. While facing overpowering opposition, they believed God’s promises and prayed for boldness to speak.
Our nation needs our prayers and proclamations. May God grant us courage to offer both.
PRAY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
It is tempting and easy to follow the path of least resistance.
- There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. (Proverbs 14:12 NLT)
- Pray for each branch of government.
- Pray for state government officials.
- Pray for local government officials.