"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
"For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations." ~ Psalm 22:28
Now, more than ever, our nation is in desperate need of repentance, healing, and God’s grace to overcome the hatred, immorality, and nihilism that seem to grip our land. In times like these, we are called to stand in the gap, praying fervently for our country, our leaders, and our fellow citizens. Scripture reminds us that “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). Let us approach God in humility, asking Him to restore and bless our nation, to pour out His mercy, and to guide us back to righteousness.
In our prayers for America, let us ask for God’s wisdom for our leaders, discernment for our lawmakers, and courage for those who defend truth and justice. We pray for peace to overcome division and for love to dissolve hatred. May the Holy Spirit work within the hearts of all Americans, stirring us all toward compassion for each other with unity and a shared pursuit of goodness. We pray that our country turns away from paths of darkness and seeks the light of Christ. As Paul encourages us in 1 Timothy 2:1–2, let us “pray for all people,” including those in authority, “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
As we intercede for America, let us cherish that God is sovereign over all powers and principalities, over every government and authority. He alone can change hearts and transform lives, bringing healing where it’s needed most. We must pray with confidence, knowing that God hears the cries of His people and is mighty to save. Jesus also calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), so let us pray earnestly and with compassion for every soul, even those we may see as adversaries, trusting that God’s love can reach and renew them.
Finally, let us remember the two greatest commandments given by Jesus Christ: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). As we pray for America, may these commandments guide our hearts, inspiring us to live out our faith with love, grace, and hope. May our prayers for the nation reflect our deep desire to see God’s kingdom come and His will be done in America as it is in heaven.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” ~ Matthew 22:37-39
Prayer For Our Country, America
Almighty God,
Ruler of all the peoples of the earth,
forgive our shortcomings as a nation,
purify our hearts to see and love the truth,
give wisdom to our leaders,
and steadfastness to our people,
and bring us at last
to that fair city of peace
whose foundations are mercy,
justice, and goodwill,
of which you are the designer and builder;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
By Woodrow Wilson
Keep Us In Peace
Keep us in peace, O Christ our God,
under the protection of your Holy Cross;
save us from our enemies, visible and invisible,
that we may glorify You with thanksgiving,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Source: Armenian Orthodox liturgy
Help, Save, Have Mercy on Us
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the holy Churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our pastors, teachers, and all who are in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our country, the president, all those in public service, and all our armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this parish and city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Amen.
Source: The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Glory to God's Supremacy
O Father of that Son who has awakened us,
you still urge us out of the sleep of our sins,
and call us to become yours.
To you, Lord, we pray,
you, the supreme truth,
for all truth that is, is from you.
You we implore, O Lord,
the highest wisdom,
through you all who are wise derive their wisdom.
You are the supreme joy,
and from you all who are happy derive their pleasure.
You are the highest good,
and from you all beauty springs.
You are the intellectual light,
and from you we derive our understanding.
To you, O God, we call and speak.
Hear us, O Lord, for you are our God and our Lord,
our Father and our creator, our ruler and our hope,
our wealth and our honor, our home, our country,
our salvation, and our life. Hear, hear us, O Lord.
Few of your servants comprehend you,
but at least we love you,
yes, we love you above all other things.
We seek you, we follow you,
we are ready to serve you.
We desire to remain under your power,
for you are the Sovereign of all.
Command us as you will;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Source: Alfred the Great, 9th century
Prayer for the Nation through the Election
Father of heavenly lights we pray for our nation in the coming election.
As we choose our leaders guide us by your commandments
and teach us not to put our trust in mortal men who cannot save,
but to trust you alone for every good and perfect gift.
Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings
and Lord of lords, and you live and reign over all.
Bless your church and move us to use the freedoms our nation grants us
to make your Gospel known in our land.
Spirit of life, stir our faith in your holy Word so that,
even as we do what we can and as we seek to do your will,
we trust your promise that you are our Refuge and Fortress,
and that you alone can work all things
for the good of your holy people.
Gracious God, rule in our hearts alone—now and forever.
© 2012 Pastor Paul C. Stratman
[Some of these prayers were found at acollectionofprayers.com]
Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
