Today, the first Thursday in May, was designated as a National Day of Prayer by President Reagan in 1988. However, President Harry Truman signed a bill into law which established a National Day of Prayer in 1952.
Since the early days of our country prayer has been the backbone of strength for our leaders. Benjamin Franklin asked then President George Washington to open each day with prayer seeking God’s guidance. President Abraham Lincoln called the nation to prayer during the Civil War and declared a day of Thanksgiving. Down through our history presidents have asked the citizens of our nation to pray.
The Apostle Paul gave us this instruction:
“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior. 4 God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4 ERV
We should begin each day praying for our President, The Congress, our Supreme Court, and the State and Local governments. We should pray that they represent us with honesty and integrity, that their actions are directed by Almighty God. We should also pray that those who ignore the Lord’s leading are convicted of their ways and repent or are removed from office.
And we should pray that our hearts are pure. We need to be citizens who love God, our country and work to preserve and protect it.
“if My people who are called by My name put away their pride and pray, and look for My face, and turn from their sinful ways, then I will hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open. And My ears will hear the prayer that is made in this place.” II Chronicles 7:14-15 ERV
God’s heart has always been open to the prayers of His people. He calls us to pray so that our land and our hearts will be healed.
I ask you to join me today in prayer for our nation and our fellow citizens. Each time we see a flag today, let’s whisper a prayer. Let’s pray for wisdom, strength, actions of justice and honor. Let’s pray for humble hearts, in all of us. Hearts of repentance. Pray for healing.
“Father, in the name of Jesus, the name above every name, we pray for our nation and our leaders this day. Let our President and members of Congress, Governors and Justices be men and women of honesty and integrity. Let them turn to You for guidance in the laws and judgements they make. Let them work together to preserve our nation and not destroy it. Let them work together for the good of this country; laying aside partisan issues and truly be a leadership that is by the people, of the people and for the people. Father, forgive us for our grumbling and complaining instead of praying and encouraging those in leadership. We repent and humbly ask that You heal our land. Your word says if we will call You will answer; if we ask we will receive. So we thank You now for hearing our prayers – cleansing our hearts and healing our land. May You receive glory for who You are. Amen and Amen.”
The Bible tells us when we ask the Father for something in Jesus name, it is done by our Father in heaven. I truly believe that God heard that prayer and that He is working on our behalf.
One other Scripture I would like to share in closing comes from a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Thessalonica.
“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV
Let’s never stop praying and giving thanks for all that God has blessed us with. Having this perspective fills us with joy!
Praise God for this nation we live in. In spite of her shortcomings she is still the best nation on earth.