And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:10 ESV)
If you have a burden to pray for this nation, you are not alone. A quick glance at the news headlines or a conversation with others can show us how much we, collectively, are hurting. Inflation has crippled the ability of younger generations to do simple things like pay off college debt or buy a house. Many don’t want to have children because raising kids is expensive and can be seen as a lost cause, if the world is just “going to hell in a hand basket.” The deep divisions in this nation over everything from politics, to religion, to economic plans, to social policies mean that finding a cohesive center in which to negotiate and govern is next to impossible for policy makers. Resentment, frustration, and anger can build, leading to suspicion and even violence. When we no longer to see each life as valuable, irrespective of our differences, we teeter on the edge of civil war.
But God.
Think for a moment about times in your life where all seemed to be teetering or even lost. Maybe your home burned down. Maybe you had another miscarriage. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you realized something was very wrong with your child. Maybe you received a devastating diagnosis. Maybe you were betrayed by someone you trusted.
Where was God in those situations?
Present.
Able.
Listening.
Moving.
Attentive.
Emmanuel – God with us – was with you. He did not leave you to be drowned in the waves or burned up in the fires of life (Isaiah 43:2). You are precious to him. He sent Jesus to be your savior. He loves you and calls you his child.
Just like I don’t believe God will abandon those who call on his name, I don’t believe God will abandon this nation. Whether or not you believe that the United States has a divine calling, the Christians in this nation do. We are called to be salt and light to those around us, to impact this nation with God’s righteousness, and to pray for her.
A long time ago, in a place far, far away, God gave us this promise:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
You and I are the people who are called by his name. When we come to God in humility, seeking his face, repenting of our sins, and purifying our hearts, he hears our prayers. He promises that he will forgive our sins – individually and as a nation – and heal our land.
Having this nation healed from past sins, wounds, and trauma would be amazing. Imagine a people no longer burdened by the ghosts of chattel slavery, violence to indigenous peoples and immigrants, economic manipulation, racism, violence, poverty, intolerance, indifference, witchcraft and the occult. Imagine being people freed from all the bondages of our past, now able to move forward together in healthy ways.
If you feel like all is hopeless, I get it. It sounds like an impossible dream.
But, why not? We serve a God who can make all things new. His words are trustworthy and true. His heart is for his people – us – to thrive in the places we live.
We live in a great day and we serve a great God. Let us hold fast to our faith and pray for our nation and our world.
Emmanuel,
It is with humble hearts that we come to you today to intercede for this nation. Her present circumstances, deep divisions, traumas and wounds are real, but you are so much greater than all these. You call us to come to you in humility, pray for this nation, repenting of her sins, so that you can heal this land. So, today, we join together asking for your Divine Intervention. Expose with irrefutable evidence that which is evil, and thwart any new schemes of the enemy of our souls. Break the power of the wicked in our politics, economics, education, media, arts & entertainment, and even your Church.
Infuse your Church with a fresh wind of the fire of the Holy Spirit, so she operates from a place of humility and full alignment with the Lordship of Christ. Pour out your waves of revival in the Church, and reformation in society so that your justice and righteousness are the standard for this nation. We pray you will give all those in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of our nation hearts to seek you first, and wisdom to make, interpret, and enforce good and godly laws. We pray in the name of Jesus against any and all evil spirits leading to strife, violence, destruction, and civil war. We pray the complete and holy PEACE of Jesus Christ into this nation. We put our trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. We ask these in the powerful name of Jesus, AMEN.
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you…(Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV)
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5 NIV)
The power of the wicked will be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous. (Psalm 37:17 NIV)