Prayer For Our Nation

  Daniel 9:1-19 is Daniel's prayer for his people. This should be our prayer for our nation. Daniel says "we," not "they." He takes responsibility for the people. He acknowledges sin and asks God for mercy. My heart was stirred to make this prayer my own.

  Jesus, we as a nation have rebelled against you! We have created laws that allow babies to be murdered, for prayer, Bibles, and Bible studies to be taken out of schools, for gay marriage to be celebrated. We have perpetuated the exploitation and the abuse of women and children. We have strayed far from the heart of our founding fathers. You are not a concern or a second thought in our minds, but we are wise in our own eyes. We arrogantly think we should be served like gods, and we build our life around comfort. We are foolish in our wisdom. We strive for wealth and fame so that we can be recognized and acknowledged for our own benefit. We have twisted the truth to fit our own selfish wants. We do not humbly lower ourselves for your glory, but we desire for glory and recognition. We are thirsty for our own selfish desires, but we have no desire for Your word. We mock those who strive for holiness and integrity. Father, forgive us! Let the gospel be more compelling than sin!

  Daniel says in verse 18, "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy." Daniel then asks the Lord to listen, forgive, hear, and act. In verse 23, we see that Gd hears and acts even before we finish praying!

  Let your heart break for the sin of our nation. Rejoice in the goodness of God, and the finished work of the cross. Be urgent to spread the good news of the gospel!