Today is the National Day of Prayer. Below are some of the things we should be praying about...“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1, 2)
Thanksgiving for the many bounties and blessings our nation has received from God in his grace: public safety, many good laws, opportunities for work, clean food and water, clothing, homes, families, friends, democracy, freedom to worship, and many more.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:1)
For our leaders. Ask that God in his mercy grant wisdom, humility, and moral integrity to our national leaders: for President Obama, Congress, and Supreme Court justices. For Governor McAuliffe, Senators Warner and Kaine, and Rep. Morgan Griffith. For Virginia legislature, state courts, and local leaders to make good and wise decisions: the mayor, board of supervisors, town council, and administrators. Pray for the upcoming elections, for God to grant us righteous leadership, and for civil discourse on national issues.
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7)
For our educational institutions: local schools, Virginia Tech, Radford University, NRCC, and others. Pray that the school boards, the faculty and administration of these schools would lead and teach with truth and integrity. Pray for safety on these campuses.
“…far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.” (1 Samuel 12:23)
Give thanks for our law enforcement and safety officers, for fire and rescue and first responders. Pray for their safety and integrity. Pray for protection from acts of terrorism and violence. Pray for recovery for those communities that have experienced tragedies, whether natural or man-made.
For our U.S. Armed Forces here and abroad. Pray for God's healing the scars of war, physically, spiritually and emotionally; and for the welfare and care of military families. That our troops still deployed overseas be kept safe, and be able to return home soon.
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)
For churches in our land. That we would be revived, spiritually vibrant, working in harmony, for the good news of Jesus Christ to advance and bear fruit in our community.
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9)
In confession. Pray that we as a nation would repent of our pride and idolatry, as we “humble ourselves and pray, and turn from our wicked ways.” That the Church in America would reject complacency and compromise, and joyfully follow and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2)
For spiritual healing for our nation: broken homes and marriages, racism, violence, drug abuse, pornography, sex trafficking, poverty, homelessness, aimlessness, and rising suicide rates. Ask that God would grant success to the efforts of pregnancy resource centers, and for an end to abortions in America.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD…” (Jeremiah 29:12-14a)
For the nations in our midst. That our international residents would feel welcome in our community and be safe from discrimination. That the light of the gospel would advance among all our immigrants and international guests.
Ask God to give wisdom to state and community leaders, and to churches, regarding immigration issues.
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.” (Psalm 96:3-5)
For preservation of religious freedom in this country. Pray for fellow Christians, and for other religious groups, who face increased intolerance and hostility both here and around the world.
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (Hebrews 13:3)
For our economy: that we as a country, and as individuals, would embrace wise fiscal policies. For the many who are struggling with debt. That those seeking work would be able to find productive jobs.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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