A Call to Prayer for Our Nation

From the Donald Trump trial last week to the Hunter Biden trial this week, it is apparent that these highly publicized and politically cannibalized events are going to place stress on our country and the Church.

I fear we are witnessing only the beginning of hostility and who knows how it might manifest itself. As Christians who desire to think biblically and respond lovingly, we must steward our actions in word, deed and social media postings with great conscientiousness.

There are some very critical issues that we hold dear such as the sanctity of life and human sexuality, as well as concerns regarding court appointees and government overreach in parental authority. These issues have huge ramifications and we should take them seriously. I am not sure what the next few months leading up to the election will hold, but I suspect public commentary will be loud and even nasty in tone. For this reason, I am asking that we strategically pray in the following ways.

1.  Pray for our country.

The help for our country does not come from governmental leaders, policies, or elections. The help we really need comes from God. The psalmist reminds us, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

What happens in the U.S. will have ripple effects throughout the world. Let’s pray that God’s will is accomplished in our nation and that the civility of our process will be noticed.

2.  Pray for righteousness in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of our government.

The writer of Proverbs reminds us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Let’s pray that our lawmakers, elected officials, and judges will be known for seeking God and upholding standards of righteousness.

3.  Pray for wisdom.

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order” (Proverbs 28:2).

Ask God to give wisdom to our government leaders and those in authority. It’s clear in Scripture that God can lead, influence, and direct government leaders. Pray that our leaders will have the wisdom to make sound decisions and that voters will choose leaders wisely.

4.  Pray for the integrity of democracy.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

We are blessed to live in a nation where we enjoy such freedom, but we must acknowledge that our system is under attack. Let’s pray God keeps His hand on our country and its processes.

5.  Ask the Lord to give us the fruit of the Spirit as we exercise our rights in speech and as citizens who participate in our democracy.

Unlike many places in the world, Americans are able to let our voices be heard, cast our votes, and meaningfully engage in civil discourse. Let’s be faithful to take advantage of every opportunity for influence, but always in a Christlike manner.

During these critical times, may we be people who are faithful in prayer and who conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Doug Clay

General Superintendent

The General Council of the Assemblies of God

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