National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is a special day set aside to recognize the power of prayer and call to action in the United States. It is celebrated every year on the first Thursday of May. The history of the National Day of Prayer dates to 1775, when the Continental Congress called for a day of prayer and fasting. Since then, Americans have made it a tradition to pray for the nation on this day.

As we celebrate the National Day of Prayer this year, it is essential to remember why prayer is so effective and necessary. The Bible tells us that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). When we come together and pray for our nation, we are engaging in a spiritual battle against the forces of evil that seek to destroy us. Through prayer, we can ask God to give us strength, wisdom, and guidance to face the challenges that are coming against our nation.

In addition to praying for our nation, we must also remember to pray for our leaders. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 that “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.” Let's pray for our President and other leaders in authority to do what is good and pleasing to the Lord so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.

Most importantly, we must also pray for those who do not yet know Jesus. Pray for God to soften their hearts so that they can hear His voice above the noise of the world and to invite Jesus into their hearts. Finally, we must pray for unity in the body of Christ, as we pray together as one nation under you, God. For we know, where two or more are gathered in your name, you are with us.

Here are some key scriptures that we need to focus on today:

• 1 Corinthians 1:10 says: “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

• Isaiah 60:2-3 says: “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

• Psalm 33:12 says: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance.”

• Daniel 2:20-21 says: “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

Here are some key things to pray for on the National Day of Prayer:

• Pray for our leaders to do what is good and pleasing to the Lord

• Prayer for our armed forces for protection and guidance

• Pray for God’s light to shine brightly through the darkness

• Pray that we draw our strength and wisdom from God’s Word

• Pray for non-believers to hear God’s voice and receive salvation

• Pray for unity in the body of Christ

• Pray for protection from evil

• Pray that all glory be given to God

• Pray that the truth comes out and the evil is unmasked

Let us come together on this National Day of Prayer and lift our nation and our leaders up in prayer.

Lord, we come to you today with humble and grateful hearts. We ask that you guide those in authority over our nation and give them wisdom as they make decisions that impact our country. We pray for unity in the body of Christ as we pray together as one nation under you, God. We know where two or more are gathered in Your name, you are with us as we come against the divisiveness that is encompassing our country. We ask that you cover us with a shield of protection and guide us with forward momentum leading our nation straight to you. Equip those in authority with discernment to reveal the wickedness that is eroding our foundation. We pray that You will shine Your light and reveal the truths necessary for us to retain the freedom which our democracy was built upon. We ask for a special blessing and cover over the armed forces that are working diligently and standing up for our constitutional rights and the Christian principles that our nation was founded upon. We pray that all glory will be given to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©Rita Larson 5/4/2023

#NationalDayofPrayer #Freedom #OneNationUnderGod #OnWordandUpWord

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