Some of my favorite memories from childhood are of celebrating Independence Day in my little Midwestern hometown, West Frankfort, Illinois. It was a day spent enjoying picnics, parades, and patriotic music that always culminated in a spectacular fireworks display in the town park. I loved those carefree summer celebrations. Even as a kid, I realized what we were celebrating and why it was important to remember July 4, 1776.
After 244 years as a nation, I think most of us would agree that we’ve gotten a lot of things right. I also think most would agree that there is still much more work to do. I, for one, have watched 2020 unfold with a deep sense of dismay and sadness. Don’t misunderstand - I LOVE this country and I’m prepared to fight for it, but not by enlisting in the military. The fighting I’m talking about is so much more powerful and effective than any form of man made might. It’s fighting done on my knees, with hands clasped and eyes closed.
Even though it’s been years since I worked in a newsroom, I still feel the daily pull of needing to know what’s happening in my community, country and the world. I check in with a local news agency online almost every day and watch the national news on TV almost every night, and I’m telling you, my friend, I feel the Holy Spirit calling me to pray and pray hard for our nation. Will you join me?
But, you ask, what can we agree to pray for when we have so many different viewpoints?
I agree, at first blush it seems hard to come to consensus, but with a little thinking I know we can find many points of agreement between us. For example, we can probably all agree to pray that both as a nation and as individuals we would be compassionate toward those in need and be moved to help in tangible ways. And how about asking God to restore in all people a sense of concern and respect for one another? What about praying that our students, teachers, and administrators will be safe at school? And how about asking for divine protection for all frontline workers?
See, finding something to agree to pray about for our nation isn’t that hard. In fact, I’ve come up with 31 ideas for what to pray for America, and I’m giving them to you as a download here and on the Freebies page of this website. And, of course, if you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to pray for other concerns, please do! My point is simply to encourage you to be in prayer for America daily.
So, what do you say? Will you join me in praying for our nation?
Click here to download my Prayer Calendar for America.