Reflection

Greetings prayer partner,

Happy 4^th of July!

The Reverend Billy Graham was the Honorary-Chairman, now called Co-Host, of the 2001 National Day of Prayer. The 2001 National Prayer authored from his heart is just as relevant to pray today as we thank God for blessing America, and throughout the month of July as we give focus to praying for all three branches of our government at the local, state and national levels.

Rev. Graham led us in praying,

“Our Father and Our God,

We praise You for Your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve.

Yet we know all is not right with America. We deeply need a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many problems we face.

Convict us of sin. Help us to turn to You in repentance and faith. Set our feet on the path of Your righteousness and peace.

We pray today for our nation’s leaders. Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it.

You have said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” May this be a new era for America, as we humble ourselves and acknowledge You alone as our Savior and Lord.

This we pray in Your holy name, Amen.”

There are several things that touch my heart deeply in this prayer including the format that begins with praise and thanks. We serve a God who is good and that never changes. We must bless Him first and foremost not based on earthly circumstances but always in His unchanging attributes that can and should always change and challenge us as we give thanks in every blessing.

Secondly, it is a prayer filled with the words, “we” and “us,” not “them” and “they.” He leads us to take collective responsibility for what is not right in America, and to acknowledge we need conviction of sin, moral and spiritual renewal, and God’s help in everything we face.

Thirdly, after confession and a heart focused on the holiness of God and His will there is a request for repentance, a turning and returning to faith, the path of righteousness, and peace. In obeying God’s ways we experience His peace abounding in us and not the chaos of the circumstances surrounding us.

It is only after all of these that our prayer turns to our nation’s leaders in every sphere of influence from the White House to your house. You are a leader with great influence. All you think, say and do, not only have an effect on you but a multiplying effect on others echoing across your community and country. Hundreds of words, actions and attitudes radiate from us each day and touch those with whom we intersect and interact. They quickly pass on our contagious “residue” as the come in contact and interact throughout the day, and the mood is multiplied for miles as the day wears on.

If we are kind, being light to someone there is a good chance they will act in that kindness other times during the day. If we are selfish or rude, chances are we just darkened the course of their mood and everyone who is in their path that day. Imagine what that looks like if that person is a teacher, in the hospitality industry, a manager, or decision maker. In Christ, we are called to be fruitful, not emotional, operating in the Spirit and not the flesh; but but who among us can honestly say we have never been subject to a bad mood or a bad day?

The key word in that sentence is “subject.” We submit ourselves under the authority of a wrong and unrighteous spirit when we act out in a bad mood, and we see and experience it every day as our culture acts out in anger, division, and selfishness, instead of righteousness. This is where Rev. Graham prays, “Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it.”

If you don’t know how to pray for those serving in government, this is a very good place to start. Pray for those who may not know the Word, will and ways of God. Pray for those who have never read a single word of the Bible. Pray for those who may have gone to church when they were growing up but the seeds that were planted did not take root and grow in their hearts and minds. Pray for those who are faithful, fruitful men and women praying and standing for what is biblically right and righteous.

Pray for them, send them an email to encourage them, vote for them and pray for those who work with them and for them. Complaining and criticizing others only contributes to the darkness in their lives and is sin in our own lives. Lifting Up the Word of God over them, to them, and to shine through them brings light to many. God shapes us through His Word and gives us the courage to shine as we all live it out.

Prayer Partner, will you please pray with us now?

Our Father and our God, we humble ourselves in this moment and acknowledge You alone as our Savior and Lord. Take this moment and multiply it throughout all of our days and ways that they would reflect Your Word, Your will and love not just for those who follow You but for every person made in Your image. For the wanderer, the worried, the anxious, and the angry we pray Your presence, path, and peace. Convict us of our unrighteous behavior and attitudes as we go through our days, create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us so it radiates through us and shines light for others to walk in throughout their day. We pray for all who serve in our government that they would experience You in an undeniable encounter as You move in their lives. We pray they would seek You in Your Word , not just for blessings but also confessing their need for You and desire to follow You as their Lord. Strengthen our godly leaders and give them the courage to always do that which is not just “right” in the eyes of their voters, but right in Your eyes. Prompt us to pray and encourage them in Your love and Word. In Your heavenly and holy name we pray, Amen!

Special Note: NDP Office Closure

P.S. – The NDP Task Force office will be closed July 1st – 5th in observance of Independence Day and so that our staff team can spend time with their families, and in prayerful preparation for all that God has in store for us as press onward. Please note that this means our team will not be answering phones or emails this week. We look forward to continue serving you through the summer!

LIGHT Your Path!

Please join us as we “Lift up the Word and Light Up the World.” Here is some LIGHT for your path as you seek to pray for leaders working in government.

“Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, o judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:10-11)

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

“I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, interecessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Please add your favorites to this list and be encouraged to repeat them in faith-filled prayer.

July Pray For America Call

Join us as East Region National Area Leaders Fallon and Kenya Procter lead us in prayer for the sphere of Government, on Thursday, July 4th from 8 – 10 p.m. ET. To join, call (667) 770-1523, enter code 4961322#.

Light Up Your Text Messages!

Sign up for our LIGHT texts by texting the word LIGHT to (833) 259-8648. You will receive three scriptures and corresponding prayers each week that shine the light of Christ and the Word of God into your heart.

Did You Catch the 2024 Broadcast?

If you missed the 2024 Broadcast, we would love for you to still pray with us, by watching the broadcast on your own, with your Bible study, prayer partner, or church!

Prayer Prompt Texting Opportunity

Each year, our NDP Task Force state leaders select a scripture verse to pray over their state. In 2024 we will be praying these verses over one U.S. state or territory each week, starting in the east and moving west. To begin receiving these scripture-based prayer prompts, text 2024STATES to (833) 259-8648.