Why We Must PRAY for our Nation
By Scott Jones
John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”[i] It follows then that if the leaders and the people turn their backs on God, not only will they forfeit God’s blessing, but it will corrupt our system of government, which protects us from tyranny. Without a moral civil society, Liberty is not possible. We are dependent on God for peace, security, and good government, and we must go to Him to petition for righteous leaders, and righteous citizens, that we might secure the blessings offered to us by our Constitution.
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.[ii]
Today the United States of America stands at a crossroads. As our national culture becomes increasingly godless, it seems that lawlessness and chaos are increasing.
Our leaders in Washington are increasing debt by spending money that they do not have.
The Federal Reserve continues printing money, rendering our currency worthless.
Political leaders and entrenched bureaucrats make a mockery of the Rule of Law.
Iran is on the verge of achieving nuclear weapons.
China is stealing our technology and occupying the South China Sea.
Our courts seek to remove any vestige of Christianity from schools, parks, public buildings, and any place someone might be offended.
We have slaughtered over 60 million babies in the abortion mills.
Sexual immorality of all types is not simply common, but praised in the media, in academia, and in our courts.
Presidential candidate are comfortable espousing socialism, a godless, materialistic worldview.
A pandemic has shut down our economy. The reactions of citizens range from disdain to panic.
To those that study the scriptures, it seems that judgment may be imminent. So, what should the faithful do? We must begin by praying for our nation.
Scripture provides examples of the principle of national prayer:
If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and, 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.[iii]
In Psalm 85 David prayed for God’s mercy on the nation of Israel. The Apostle Paul commanded us to pray for kings and all in authority, so we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in godliness and dignity.[iv] The prophet, Jeremiah, speaking to the exiles to Babylon said:
Seek the welfare of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it has prosperity, you will prosper.[v]
If the Children of Israel were commanded to seek the welfare of the wicked, pagan nation that was taking them into captivity, how much more should we pray for God’s blessings on the United States of America, which secures for us the blessings of Liberty. But how?
Our first president, George Washington, modeled for us how to pray for our nation, and I quote him here:
Almighty God, We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States of America at large.
And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of The Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.[vi]
All I can add to that is: AMEN!
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“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation"
[i] https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_adams_391045
[ii] Proverbs 14:34
[iii] 2 Chronicles 7:13-14
[iv] 1 Timothy 2:1-3
[v] Jeremiah 29:7