Something amazing is happening this week in Washington, D.C. and across the country. It involves politicians, civic leaders, and millions of individuals and families in the United States.

It’s the annual National Day of Prayer in America and it’s happening today.

Why is this day so important?

We all know that morality in America is eroding, and has been for some time. Our country is divided with opposing viewpoints on just about every topic in the cultural and spiritual realms. The National Day of Prayer (NDP) is significant because it’s a nationwide observance—with prayer events held from coast to coast by people with backgrounds of all kinds.

The NDP website says that: “It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people.”

So, how can you make a difference?

Together, we can make an impact on the spiritual landscape of our nation with the power of prayer because prayer moves the heart of God to action.

Prayer is powerful because God is powerful.

James 5:16 reminds us that, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” And we read in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Then, there’s the story in Exodus 34, where Moses interceded for Israel and that nation was spared.

Perhaps the most important thing we can do is to first come before God with a heart of humility and repentance. This land, our land, needs a lot of healing.

And you can be a part of the change.

“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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

To get started, check out the starter prayers below—and pray for our nation, our leaders, the Armed Forces, our families, media and entertainment, education and more.

Franklin Graham, son of popular evangelist Billy Graham said this on the National Day of Prayer website:

“It can be tempting to believe that America has reached a point of no return. While these factors cause despair, we are reminded in Scripture that with God, nothing is impossible. No problem is too great for Him.”

I agree. Sure, America has her share of problems. Yes, there is more violence and immorality in our nation than ever before. But our great God is wiser and stronger—and more powerful—than any enemy we face, whether internal or external.

Prayer changes things. Faith can move mountains.

It all starts with the prayers of the faithful.

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Here are some starter prayers for your National Day of Prayer observance or to use any time you want to pray for America.

Praying for America

God Bless America

I praise you Lord, and thank you for this great nation. God has blessed America!  Thank you for the freedom to speak and be heard, and to vote for elected leaders. Although we are a diverse and independent nation, I pray that we would respect each other and uphold godly values as we seek to honor the authority of those who govern our land. Please keep the United States united as one strong country that seeks your face and favor.

Praying for National Leaders

Lord, I pray for our nation's leaders and ask that you would give them the ability to make wise decisions, govern with integrity and accomplish their tasks in ways that build our nation and keep us at peace. May all of the people I pray for now bring glory and honor to Your Name as they serve our country: the President, Vice President, and Secretaries of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development; the Attorney General, National Security Advisor, Director of National Intelligence, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Praying for State Leaders

Lord, I pray for men and women on the state government level who will lead with humility and godly wisdom good policy. Bless their lives as they balance their work and home lives. Give them strength to govern wisely. May all of the people I pray for now be faithful stewards of their office and serve the people of our state for the glory of God’s name: our state Senators, Representatives, Governor, and State Supreme Court Justices.

Praying for Local Leaders

Lord, I pray that the leaders in our city and local area would lead with integrity, honesty and fairness. May they be hungry for the power of God and not be power-hungry for control that will not last. May all of the people I pray for now lead with justice, grace and mercy as they serve our community for Your glory: the Mayor; judges, court officials for the city and county, members of the Police Department and Fire Department and other civic leaders.

Praying for the Armed Forces

Lord, I thank you for all of the men and women serving in our armed forces. They choose to put their lives on the line so we can have freedom and peace, and for that I am truly grateful. I ask that You would bless them for their loyalty and service. Protect them and keep them safe. Comfort them and give them strength when they are away from loved ones. Bless the families too, the ones who send soldiers to war or for duty overseas and a here stateside. I pray that You would meet their every need.

Integrity of the Family

Lord, thank you for the families in our nation—bless those who are following God and serving those in need and help those who don’t know You. I pray that You would build and strengthen marriages. I pray for obedient, not rebellious children. I pray that You would show each of us how to love each other better—to be more kind and compassionate, to listen and to care. We pray for revival across the land, and may it begin in each individual heart and home.   

Education

Lord, we need more of Your presence in our schools and educational system. I pray for teachers and administrators to lead with integrity, wisdom, patience and strength as they serve children every day. Help them to be knowledgeable and be prepared. Give them energy and good hearts. I pray for students to be safe and learn well as they prepare for work, ministry, and life.

Media and Entertainment Industry

Lord, I ask that you would bring Your light to the dark places of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Please rise up creative people with godly values to write and create media that is wholesome and life giving, not destructive. I pray against the negative messages and intense violence and sexuality portrayed on the Internet, TV, movies, and in books, music, magazines, and other media. Open the way for righteousness in our nation’s entertainment and media choices.

Spiritual Revival in America

Revive us, O Lord! I pray for a great awakening of hope and healing in America. Forgive us our personal sins and the sins of our people. May our nation fulfill her great destiny and purposes. Awaken us to our need for God and our total dependence on You. Bless us, Lord, to be a nation that is strong and be a blessing to other nations on earth.