Prayer for the United States of America. November, 2016.

It is time to earnestly pray for our country.  This is not about you, and it is not about me.  It is not about Democrat or Republican; it is about caring enough to hit our knees, even consider fasting for the gift of America, and the hard-fought freedom we enjoy.  Read this prayer and consider its humble words; if it resonates with you, then share this prayer with others and continue to pray it yourself.

Dear Heavenly Father, Maker of Heaven and Earth,

I look around and see people divided, friends worried and casting about, so I know that I must pray as never before!  But first, as my street friends used to say, I must come correct¹. Like the psalmist, this I know, and with this I must begin—

‘You are God; it is you who made us,

          and not we ourselves; we are your people.’²

                  You are God.  You are good, your love does not end,

                            and you will not forget our children either!³

We lift our country before you on the eve of a national election, which seems so dark. May your children seek you and may revival break out in our land! I think of one who looked to you and said, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. 

        Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

               because his compassions fail not. 

                      They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”⁴

Yes, dear Lord, you are faithful, and on that we stand! 

God, we too want to pray confidently for your steadfast love and mercy to us – in all areas of our lives.  Please, God,

               draw our citizens’ hearts and minds to your truth and great love.              

May they seek You – someone higher than themselves. 

     May our leaders - our president, senate and congress be humbled and

              turn to you.

                     May those who are seeking to gain office bow their knees to you. 

                                    God, save our country.

Lord, increase our faith in you because

                                    You are the God on the throne, and

                     You will be still on the throne the day after the election.

‘You cause all things to work together for good to those who love you;’⁵

            increase our love for you, and indeed show us how to love you more! 

You are perfect, your ways are perfect and we want to live in accordance with your will.  Grant us your wisdom in voting, and in conducting ourselves with love and respect to friends, colleagues, neighbors and others, O God.  We wish to honor you. 

We pray these things in the powerful, mighty name of Jesus, AMEN.  So be it.

God, bless America, won’t you?

^{1 – I worked on the streets of Long Beach for several years, making friends with the homeless and disenfranchised in Long Beach, California, a large city just south of Los Angeles, California}

^{2 – Psalm 100.3}

^{3 – Psalm 100.5}

^{4 – Lamentations 3.21-23}

^{5 – Romans 8.28}