It’s not always easy to know how to pray for the nation. This guide can lead you through 30 minutes of specific prayer points.
In 5-minute increments, focus on these six foundational principles to praying for a godly nation. Choose one or two accompanying Scriptures to pray for each principle.
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Praise and exalt the Lord of the nations.
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. (Ps 47:7-8)
Begin with thanksgiving. (1 Thes 5:18; Rom 1:8; Col 2:7)
Praise Him for His Kingdom at work in our nation. (Jas 1:17; Rv 11:17)
Invite the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord.
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. (Ps 25:12-14)
Ask the Lord to reveal specific issues or situations where repentance is needed. (Jer 33:3; Prv 28:13; 2 Chr 30:9b; Mt 3:8-10; Jas 4:8)
Ask for the Fear of the Lord to come to bear on each of the issues the Holy Spirit reveals (Is 11:2, 33:6; Ps 31:19-20; 2 Chr 20:29).
Bless all who are in authority.
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. (Prv 11:14)
Specifically name and pray for elected officials to hunger and thirst for Christ and to seek His face continually. (1 Chr 16:10-11; Ps 2:10-11, 105:3-4; Mt 6:33)
Pray for current leaders, both in the Church and in the nation, to be rightly aligned with the purposes of heaven. (Prv 24:5-6; Ps 37:27-28; Is 1:16-17; 1 Tm 2:1-4)
Declare a standard of righteousness.
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. (Prv 14:34)
Pray for specific executive actions, court cases, and legislative initiatives to reflect the righteousness of God. (Ex 23:1-8; Mi 4:1-2; Dt 16:19-20; Is 61:8)
Pray that citizens would rejoice in truth and pursue righteousness. (Ps 89:14-16, 97:1-5; Is 26:9, 32:1-6, 58:8)
Ask for spiritual revival marked by the Lord’s presence and fruit of the Spirit.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. (Ps 89:15-17)
Pray for refreshing and revival to come to the Church. (Ps 85:6-9, Joel 2:28-32, Acts 3:19-21)
Pray for an increased presence of the Lord to bring about transformation in our nation. (Ex 33:14; Hos 6:1-3; Acts 2:42-47; Gal 5:22-24; 1 Thes 1:5)
Bless the increase of His government.
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. (Ps 45:6)
Proclaim and rejoice in the supremacy of the Kingdom of God over the forces of darkness. (Ps 86:9-10, 110:1-2; Col 2:15; Rev 12:10-11)
Commend to the Lord future generations, that they will be built on a sure foundation. (Ps 22:27-28, 145:3-13; 2 Ti 3:14-16)
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. (Ps 33:12)
Add your own prayers in the comments below.
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