A Prayer for Our Nation at 250

Today is a big day in American history – the Semiquincentennial of American Independence, or in other words, it has been 250 years since July 4, 1776. What a blessing to all of us who are citizens here, and also to individuals all over the world. As discussed yesterday, this is nothing less than the abundant blessings of God for all of us. We pause to reflect with sincere gratitude to God for His marvelous grace.

Today, Americans across the country gather to celebrate 250 years of independence. As we did last night (picture above) and will do more of today, families will gather around tables. Children will wave flags. Communities will host parades. Fireworks will illuminate the evening sky – and way into the night. Many will pause to remember the sacrifices, courage, and convictions of those who came before us.

As followers of Jesus Christ, it is appropriate to be grateful. We should thank God for the many blessings we have enjoyed. We should recognize His providential hand throughout history. We should appreciate the freedoms that have allowed churches to gather, missionaries to be sent, and the Gospel to be proclaimed openly.

But on this historic day, I find myself thinking less about celebration and more about prayer.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority…”
(1 Timothy 2:1–2).

For many believers, praying for leaders can be challenging. Governments disappoint us. Politicians frustrate us. Public discourse often leaves us discouraged. Yet, Paul wrote those words while living under the rule of the Roman Empire, hardly an ideal government from almost any perspective, especially a Christian one.

In this text, the Apostle Paul’s command reminds us that prayer is not reserved for moments when we approve of our leaders. Instead, prayer is the ongoing responsibility of God’s people. Therefore, on this Fourth of July, our Semiquincentennial of American Independence, perhaps one of the most fitting things we can do is pray.

Let me suggest a few prayer starters…

Pray with gratitude.

Every good gift comes from above. Whatever blessings we have enjoyed as a people have ultimately come from the hand of God. We have no reason for pride, but every reason for thanksgiving. As we discussed yesterday, God owes us nothing, yet He has given us so much.

• Thank Him for freedoms many believers throughout history have never known.
• Thank Him for opportunities to worship openly, to assemble freely, and speak freely.
• Thank Him for churches that faithfully proclaim His Word.
• Thank Him for families, communities, and countless evidences of His common grace.
• Most of all, thank Him for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Political freedom is a wonderful blessing, but spiritual freedom in Christ is infinitely greater.

Pray for our leaders.

Scripture calls us to do more than criticize those in authority. We are commanded to pray for them. Although individuals may be outstanding, for sure, the political class in America lacks much of the integrity, virtues, and commitments the Bible implores from them. They need our prayer.

• Pray for wisdom.
• Pray for integrity.
• Pray for courage to pursue what is right.
• Pray that God would restrain evil and promote justice.
• Pray that leaders at every level – national, state, and local – would recognize their accountability before the Lord.
• Whether we agree with them or disagree with them, whether we voted for them or not, our responsibility remains the same: to pray.

Pray for our churches.

The future of our nation will not ultimately be determined in legislative chambers, courtrooms, media studios, or election booths. There is not one single legislative agenda item that promises true hope, true freedom, or true happiness. Instead, the message of hope for our nation and world resides in the churches, as it is faithfully professed from the church. The hope of any nation rests in the God who rules over nations, and, most importantly, in the Christ Who redeems.

• Pray that churches would be faithful.
• Pray that pastors would preach the Word accurately with conviction and compassion.
• Pray that believers would grow in holiness.
• Pray that congregations would love one another deeply and shine brightly in their communities.
• Pray that Christians would be known for truth, grace, humility, courage, godliness, and unity.

Pray for Gospel opportunities.

Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy is connected to God’s desire that people hear the truth and be saved. The church’s mission has not changed. At 250 years, America does not merely need better policies, stronger institutions, or greater prosperity. It needs what every nation has always needed – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Further, the world needs America sharing the Gospel to them.

• Pray for open doors.
• Pray for bold witnesses.
• Pray for opportunities to share Christ with neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.
• Pray that God would continue to send laborers into His harvest.

Pray for spiritual awakening.

Throughout history, God has often worked in extraordinary ways during ordinary times of prayer. The reality is that no political movement can produce genuine revival. Further, and equally true, no government program can transform the human heart. Only God can do these things. We desperately need Him to do these things.

• Pray that He would draw people to Himself.
• Pray that He would awaken churches from complacency.
• Pray that He would bring conviction of sin and faith in Christ.
• Pray that many would come to know the Lord in the years ahead.

Pray for yourself.

National days of celebration often invite us to reflect on the condition of our country. But Scripture also calls us to examine our own hearts. We are never to begin with the speck in someone else’s life if there is a log in our own. It is here we begin.

• Are we walking faithfully with Christ?
• Are we loving our neighbors?
• Are we serving our churches?
• Are we seeking first the kingdom of God?
• Before asking God to work in our nation, perhaps we should ask Him to work in us.

Concluding Thoughts

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, I am grateful for many blessings. This seems like a very special day in history. Yet my confidence for the future is not found in a nation, a political party, an economy, or a leader. My confidence, and my prayer is that your confidence, rests in the Lord. The God who has been faithful to generations before us remains faithful today. The God who governs the nations still reigns from His throne. The God who sent His Son to redeem sinners is still building His church. And the God who hears the prayers of His people still invites us to come boldly before Him.

So celebrate today. Enjoy your family. Thank God for His many kindnesses. But do not forget to pray.

Pray for our leaders, for our churches, for our communities, for the advance of the Gospel, and for the glory of God. After all, the greatest contribution Christians as followers of Jesus Christ can make to their nation has never been merely political. It has always been spiritual.

May God continue to show mercy, grant wisdom, and provide opportunities for the Gospel in the years ahead.

May God bless America.

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Here is a blog from a trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia with the family from four years ago – some great pics and reflections on what we saw.  America, Happy Independence Day! In addition, here is another blog from a trip to Jefferson City, the Missouri State Capital on its bicentennial with some great thoughts and pics as well.