photo credit:  PIxabay — photo credit: PIxabay

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Paul wrote the verse above to Timothy, during a time when the Christian church had considerably less freedom than it does today, here in the United States. It was a time of Roman rule, when the prevailing culture and the government were strongly antagonistic towards those who followed Christ. Paul wrote those words, but God inspired them. There is no question that, as Christians, we are to pray for our country and those in authority.

As an American, who will soon be celebrating Independence Day, l wanted to take the opportunity to remember this country I love in prayer.

Here is a prayer I wrote for the United States, its leaders, and citizens. You may join me if you like….

Father God, I pray for the safety of President Obama and his family. I ask for your protection around them, that you would keep them from all harm. I ask for your blessing upon them and for your Holy Spirit to guide them in trusting you and your holy Word.

I ask you to keep my heart and guide me, that I will place my trust in you alone, and not in the government or in people.

I pray for President Obama and the other leaders of our country, that you would guide them, and that they would look to you for wisdom as they make difficult decisions and lead our country.

I pray for the leaders of this country, that they would be willing and able to do the right thing in the face of tough decisions, that they will be able to find solutions to the problems around us and that churches and Christians would take a position of leadership in defending the defenseless and those who are struggling.

I ask that the President, the Court, and Congress, through the decisions that are made, bring glory to Christ, and that good would prevail over evil.

I thank you, Father God, that you have placed me in this country at this time. Thank you for the many blessings that I enjoy as a citizen of the United States. Thank you for the men and women who have fought bravely to defend my freedoms. Thank you for the freedom that I have to worship you. Please show me how to live in a way that brings you glory, through the way that I honor those in authority and follow your commands.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

An Independence Day Prayer for the United States