excerpts from

Pray for Our Nation:

Scriptural Prayers to Revive Our Country

(Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers (c) 1999)

Part 1: Prayers for the Leaders of Our Nation

The President

Dear Father, in Jesus' name I lift up our president to You. I know that our leader's heart is in Your hand, so I ask You to guide the head of our nation in the way You would have him to go.

Father, I pray that You would surround our president with wise counsel -- men and women of integrity who place Your agenda and the good of this nation above their own and whose motives are for that which is right.

I pray that You would give our leader discernment, understanding and knowledge so that our nation may know stability internally and abroad.

I give thanks for our president according to Your Word and thank You for working in and through his leadership so that we might lead peaceable lives in godliness and honesty.

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Scripture References

1 Timothy 2:1, 2

Romans 13:1 NAS

Proverbs 28:2 AMP

Proverbs 21:1 NAS

Proverbs 16:10 AMP

Proverbs 8:15 NIV

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Direct my  thought, words and work,

wash away my sins in the immaculate

Blood of the Lamb, and purge my

heart by Thy Holy Spirit. ... Daily

frame me more and more into the

likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ.

-- GEORGE WASHINGTON,

1ST U.S. PRESIDENT

AC21DOJ DISCLAIMER: While I am in general agreement with the sentiment expressed by the above prayer, I am quick to add that my Christian convictions force me to very strongly disagree with many if not most of President Obama's plans and policies. For more info, please see Prayer, Submission, and Our New President.

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Part 1: Prayers for the Leaders of Our Nation

The Congress

Dear Father, I come to You in the mighty name of Jesus, thanking You and praising You for our great nation. I thank You for the plan You gave to our forefathers by which to govern our nation and for the division of powers so that our destiny does not rest in the hands of one person.

In praying for those in authority, I therefore lift up our Congress (both the House of Representatives and the Senate). I pray that, by Your power, our legislative body would make laws that are just.

Father, I ask You to give them wisdom to make decisions that would strengthen and prosper our nation. I desire that they would make right decisions concerning the politics, the social welfare and the economics of our nation.

I pray that You would cause Congress to be motivated more by Your hand than by partisan or personal concerns.

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Scripture References

Proverbs 8:15 NIV

Proverbs 19:21

Proverbs 29:14

Proverbs 21:30

Proverbs 15:22

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Remember that God is our only sure trust.

-- MARY WASHINGTON,

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER

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Part 1: Prayers for the Leaders of Our Nation

The Economy

Dear Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray for our nation's economy. I know that even more than a strong military, a strong economy helps keep a nation powerful.

Father, I pray that You would raise up people of skill and wisdom who will affect the economy of our nation. Give them inspired ideas and a voice with the powers that be.

Cause Congress to vote aright in these matters. Give them foresight so that provision might be made for our nation's future, not just its present.

Father, as the people of our nation continue to finance the preaching of the gospel and help the poor all over the world, I pray that You would continue to prosper us more and more.

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Scripture References

Matthew 18:18-20

Deuteronomy 8:17, 18

Deuteronomy 28:12

Psalm 112:1-3

---------

While we give praise to God, the supreme

disposer of all events, for His interposition

on our behalf, let us guard against

the dangerous error of trusting in

or boasting of, an arm of flesh....

If your case is just, if your principles

are pure, and if your conduct is

prudent, you need not fear the

multitude of opposing hosts.

-- JOHN WITHERSPOON,

A SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION

OF INDEPENDENCE

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Part 1: Prayers for the Leaders of Our Nation

Election of Godly Leaders

Father, I desire to vote intelligently in all elections. I pray that You will bring to light the things I need to know so I may vote in line with Your plan, will and purpose.

May things not only come to light for the Christian community, but may things be made clear to the unbelieving community as well. I pray that what is right would be so clear that even unbelievers would vote using wisdom and demanding honesty and uprightness from their politicians.

Dear Father, in the name of Jesus, may the citizens of our nation become so weary of sin and degradation in our nation's leaders that they will begin to seek out godly leaders to represent them on every level of government. Give such leaders favor with the public and the media.

Father, make our nation a fragrance in the earth, a force to be reckoned with, a hand extended to those in need.

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Scripture References

Luke 12:1-3

John 16:13

---------

If we work on marble, it will perish;

if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear

up temples, they will crumble into dust;

but if we work upon immortal minds and

imbue them with principles, with the just

fear of God and the love of our fellow men,

we engrave on those tablets something

that will brighten to all eternity.

-- DANIEL WEBSTER,

AMERICAN POLITICIAN

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Part 2: Prayers for the Social Welfare of Our Nation

National Morality

Father, I know that the spirit of the world creeps into the body of Christ almost unawares sometimes, and before we know it, we can so easily be led astray and caught up in worldly actions (at times so subtly we don't even recognize what has happened to us).

So in the name of Jesus, I pray that You would raise up a voice in our nation that would rally the body of Christ and cause us to become the standard bearers to such a degree that we would profoundly affect the morality of our nation.

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Scripture References

Proverbs 26:2 NIV

Luke 3:4-6

Romans 12:21

Isaiah 49:22

---------

Never forget, Americans, that yours is

a spiritual country. Yes, I know you're a

practical people. Like others, I've marveled

at your factories, your skyscrapers, and your

arsenals. But underlying everything else is

the fact that America began as a God-loving,

God-fearing, God-worshipping people.

-- GENERAL ROMULO,

GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

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Part 2: Prayers for the Social Welfare of Our Nation

The Educational System

Dear Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all those who are in authority in our national educational system. I pray that the decisions they make would be by Your guidance.

Please help those in authority see that "separation of church and state" does not mean godless education.

May there be such a revival in our nation that those in power must acquiesce in that which is right in Your sight.

May our goal be not only to understand the students, but to bring them to understanding both on a moral and intellectual level.

Cause our educational system to be preeminent in the world. And may discipline and respect be restored to our nation's schools.

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Scripture References

1 Timothy 2:1, 2

Deuteronomy 4:5, 6

Proverbs 1:2-5

---------

The time has come to turn to God and

reassert our trust in Him for the healing

of America... Our country is in need of

and ready for a spiritual renewal.

-- RONALD REAGAN,

40TH U.S. PRESIDENT

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Part 2: Prayers for the Social Welfare of Our Nation

National Patriotism

Father, I pray in Jesus' name that You would restore a social conscience to our nation.

I pray that we would again see the value of teaching our children the virtue of being good citizens -- to not only live for the good of the individual but the good of others as well.

Dear Father, I desire to see our nation restored to godly integrity and excellence, so that our children and our citizens can be proud of their nation and proud to be called citizens of it.

In recognizing our duty to God and our country, keep us mindful to pray for our nation not only in our churches and our homes, but also in the quietness of our daily lives.

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Scripture References

Acts 24:16

Proverbs 20:6, 7

---------

Prayer covers the whole of man's life.

There is no thought, feeling, yearning, or

desire, however low, trifling, or vulgar

we may deem it, which, if it affects our

real interest or happiness, we may not

lay before God. ... The whole burden of

the whole life of every man may be

rolled on to God and not weary him,

though it has wearied the man.

-- HENRY WARD BEECHER,

AMERICAN CLERGYMAN

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Part 2: Prayers for the Social Welfare of Our Nation

The Media

Dear Father, in Jesus' name, may there be such a revival in our nation that it will affect every area of the media.

May the church be so revived and may there be such an gathering [sic.] of believers that they neither will tolerate media "hype" nor support whatever would fuel it.

May the media find it profitable and ethical to publish the truth and broadcast the effects of Your mighty hand in our nation.

I desire that You would raise up journalists and publishers of integrity, who would speak, write and print the truth in the face of all opposition.

Father, send laborers to speak to those in media circles, that they may come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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Scripture References

Proverbs 14:34

Psalm 68:11

---------

The only limit to our realization of

tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

Let us move forward with

strong and active faith

-- FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT,

32ND U.S. PRESIDENT

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Part 3: Prayers for the Safety of Our Nation

National Protection

Most High God, I come to You in the name of Jesus, asking for divine protection for the people of this nation. I pray for the safety of every man, woman and child. Keep us from harms way and provide protection from plans of destruction that our enemies have plotted. Stop strategies of destruction that our enemies would try to evoke.

Give wisdom, understanding and discernment to those who provide protection. Help us to be watchful and alert to signs of wrongdoing.

Provide insight to national and local authorities on ways to guard, defend and insure the safety of all American citizens both at home and abroad. Help us to unite with government leaders and law enforcement personnel in making this country a safe place to live, work and play; allowing Americans to enjoy freedom without fear.

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Scripture References

John 16:13

Romans 8:14

Matthew 18:19, 20

---------

Our prayer and God's mercy are like

two buckets in a well; while the

one ascends the other descends.

-- MARY HOPKINS,

U.S. EDUCATOR

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Part 3: Prayers for the Safety of Our Nation

The Military

Thank you Lord, for the men and women of our armed forces. Protect them as they protect us. Defend them as they defend us. Encourage and strengthen their spirit, soul, and body in the execution of their duties and responsibilities. May they be mentally and physically strong when required to face the challenges of combat. Under gird them with your spirit and might when they are called upon to endure the hardships of battle.

I pray that nothing would take them by surprise but that they would be aware of all potential aggression. Enable them to curtail hostile actions before they start.

Reveal to military leaders the strategies and plots that enemies would wage. Give leaders wisdom and insight in all decisions. May response to any aggression by enemies of this nation be swift, accurate and effective.

Father, give our military favor with the governmental agencies of this country. I pray that our Congress would appropriate sufficient funds to keep our nation's military preeminent in the world.

Thank you Lord, for providing America with the best trained, equipped and lead military force in the world today. Fill them with Your saving grace and the gospel of peace that they may be shining witnesses of Your love.

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Scripture References

Matthew 9:37, 38

Romans 10:13-15

Psalm 199:114, 117

Isaiah 41:12, 13

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Religious faith has the miraculous power

to lift ordinary human beings to

greatness in seasons of stress.

-- SAM J. ERVIN, JR.,

NBA PLAYER FOR THE

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS

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Part 3: Prayers for the Safety of Our Nation

Protection From Terrorism

Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray that You prevent the destructive forces of terrorism directed against our nation. Provide protection from evil attacks and stop the aggressors that attempt to bring destruction to our nation and people. May Your hand of protection keep us safe.

I stand against the spirit of fear that accompanies the cowardice [sic] acts of terrorism. Allow our fear to turn to trust in You. May knowledge of terrorist planned attacks be revealed to those who provide our national and international security. Help those in power to act swiftly to avert all danger, protecting American lives and property.

Provide strength, courage and wisdom to the protectors of this nation to administer their duties. Give wisdom and insight to our government and everyone involved in the elimination of terrorism. Provide instruction in the development of effective and efficient anti-terrorist strategies that will give us an advantage against our aggressors, allowing the country to remain safe and secure.

I pray that the instigators of terrorism recognize the evil of their ways, and repent and denounce their cowardice [sic] acts of destruction against humanity. Without repentance, may they reap the consequences of their actions and may the fear of our retaliation be greater than their hatred of democracy.

Guide us in efforts to seek out and eradicate these merchants of death. Reveal the names of those responsible and in allegiance with terrorist organizations to our authorities. Enable the military to become swift, powerful and accurate in any action of retaliation.

Lord, help us to understand lifestyle changes that might be necessary to ensure our protection. Grant patience and tolerance to us in adapting to the safety precautions and measures that we might experience. Enable us to realize that the cost of inconvenience is a small price to pay for the safety of our families and of our nation.

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Scripture References

Deuteronomy 29:29

Psalm 91:1-6

Daniel 11:25

Deuteronomy 31:6

Psalm 27:14

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The spirit of man is more important

than mere physical strength, and the

spiritual fiber of a nation than its wealth.

-- DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER,

34TH U.S. PRESIDENT

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Part 4: Prayers for the Spiritual Growth of Our Nation

National Revival

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for the great sleeping giant, the church, who even now has begun to shake herself from her sleep. I pray she would awake to righteousness and holiness in every denomination, in every body of believers, and slumber no longer.

I pray we would begin to unify under the blood-stained banner of the Cross and preach the gospel of the kingdom clearly and boldly in every highway and byway of our nation.

I pray that we will not only stand up and speak up but that we will begin to reap a great harvest in our nation, bringing multitudes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

May the revival of the saints be so all-encompassing that it affects the spiritual complexion of our entire nation and influences our politics, our economy, our media and our entire society.

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Scripture References

Acts 3:19

Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 1:15-23

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Remember that God is our only sure trust.

-- MARY WASHINGTON,

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER

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Part 4: Prayers for the Spiritual Growth of Our Nation

The Strengthening of the Family Unit

Father, it is apparent throughout Your Word that You instituted the family -- father, mother and children. I realize, however, that a family unit can also consist of many other combinations, such as a husband and wife, a father and children, a mother and children or siblings.

I pray in the name of Jesus that the standard of a godly family would be restored to our nation.

May there be a resurgence in the public forum of the benefits of a godly family.

May it become apparent to those who form public opinion that family values as represented in Scripture are the path in which to lead our nation.

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Scripture References

Genesis 1:28

Genesis 2:24

Leviticus 25:10

Numbers 36:6-8

---------

Renewing our knowledge of and faith

in God through Holy Scripture can

strengthen us as a nation and a people.

-- THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE

WAS DECLARED IN 1983 BY

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF

THE HOUSE AND SENATE

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Part 4: Prayers for the Spiritual Growth of Our Nation

Church Leadership

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to raise up persons of vision and purpose in the body of Christ, people of integrity who have the ability to unify and rally the body of Christ at large.

May they be godly examples to those whom they shepherd as they pray for Your guidance in every facet of their lives.

May they have the ability to make Your ways plain and clear, inspiring those who hear their words to seek a deep and abiding relationship with You, the Father of all.

Lord, give our church leaders a voice to speak to the conscience of our nation. May they not only influence the believer, but may they also influence those who have not yet come to know You as Lord and Savior. And may they use such words that would inspire and motivate our whole nation.

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Scripture References

Proverbs 29:18

Luke 3:4-6 NIV

1 Timothy 3:1-13

---------

While we give praise to God, the supreme

disposer of all events, for His interposition

on our behalf, let us guard against

the dangerous error of trusting in,

or boasting of, an arm of flesh. ...

If your case is just, if your principles

are pure, and if your conduct is

prudent, you need not fear the

multitude of opposing hosts.

-- JOHN WITHERSPOON,

A SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION

OF INDEPENDENCE

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Part 4: Prayers for the Spiritual Growth of Our Nation

Repentance

Dear Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, my Advocate. I am so glad You have not only made a way for me to be free of sin, but you have also made a way for me to stay that way.

Father, my heart condemns me because I know I have sinned. [Name the sin.] I don't have peace within me for I know I have followed the desires of my heart and been led into sin by allowing my feet to slip from Your path. I ask You to forgive me and cleanse me now.

I purpose in my heart not to do it again. I realize, however, that I must constantly seek Your help and direction to obtain that earnest desire.

I thank You that I am now clean and forgiven.

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Scripture References

2 Corinthians 7:14

Isaiah 43:25, 26

Revelation 20:3

1 John 3:21, 22

1 John 1:9, 10; 2:1, 2

Psalm 17:5

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Remember ever, and always, that your

country was founded ... by the stern old

Puritans who made the deck of the

Mayflower an altar of the living God,

and whose first act on touching the soil

of the new world was to offer on bended

knees thanksgiving to Almighty God.

-- HENRY WILSON,

18TH U.S. VICE PRESIDENT

UNDER ULYSSES S. GRANT

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OF SPECIAL NOTE:

Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?

In his most powerful book since What's So Amazing about Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew, Yancey probes the most fundamental, challenging, perplexing, and deeply rewarding aspect -- the very heartbeat -- of your relationship with God: prayer. In theory, prayer is the essential human act, a priceless point of contact between you and the God of the universe. In practice however, prayer is often frustrating, confusing, and fraught with mystery. Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? explores the mysterious intersection where you and God meet and relate. Writing as a fellow pilgrim, Yancey explores the questions surrounding prayer that you may wonder about but not know how to express. Above all, Yancey shows you how to pray to a God who sees what lies ahead of you, knows what lies within you, and who invites you into an eternal partnership with Him -- through prayer.

** For excerpts see Prayer. **

AC21DOJ DISCLAIMER: While Philip Yancey writes about some profound theological concepts, he is not a theologian. In his own words, he writes "as a pilgrim, not an expert." His writing reflects a nonjudgmental, humble willingness to learn from others. His writing style is warm and engaging, and his thorough research results in  many beneficial insights. All that said, not everyone will agree with every word he writes.

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