In times of national turmoil, it is difficult to know how to pray for my country. There are so many problems that I need to pray for and often times, it feels overwhelming to pray for such a long list of problems.
And during times when your nation is thriving, it’s a temptation to forget God and to stop praying for my nation and its leaders.
“Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” – Jeremiah 29:7
The context of this verse is that Israel has just been sent into exile to Babylon as a form of judgement from God for how they turned away from Him and disobeyed Him (597 b.c.)
The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to the countrymen to comfort them in their exile.
Jeremiah tells the Israelites that they are to live as though they will be in Babylon for a long time, and they are to pray for God’s favor upon Babylon, knowing that their own welfare was bound to the welfare of Babylon.
Practical application for the Christian
- First, I must remember that I am a foreigner here on earth. As Christians, we have been changed by the blood of Jesus and have been set free from sin (Romans 8:1-2), but the world we live in is still corrupt (Romans 1:21-32). We will feel out of place here on earth because we are meant to be with God (Philippians 3:20).
- Second, I must actively pursue righteousness as I strive to be a holy example to a sinful world (1 Timothy 6:11, 1 Peter 2:11), even when I feel discouraged and alone in my pursuit of holiness
- Third, I must honor the authorities God has put in place in governing positions and pray for their salvation if they are not governing in a way that is in accordance with the Bible (1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 13:1)
- Fourth, I must be constantly praying for my country
5 Biblical prayers that you can pray for your country
- A prayer for the salvation of your country’s leaders
2. A prayer for spiritual revival in your country
3. A prayer of protection for pastors and other Christian leaders in your country
4. A prayer that the Gospel would abound in your country
5. A prayer for strength for those who are and will be persecuted for the sake of the Gospel
Another great way to learn how to pray for your country is to memorize scripture!
When you memorize scripture, the Word of God will help give you the words when you pray for your country.
I hope that this post encourages you and helps you as you pray for your country!
