Your nation is in crisis, what do you do? In a few short months, we have seen how closely connected we are through technology and international travel. We have seen the impact that economic decisions made by our leaders can have on each of us…and let’s face it, it can be scary. It can be hard to watch the things we love most about our country being shut off or cut down to protect its people. The enemy would have us cower in fear but there’s a better response we can have. We can pray. I’d like to share how you can pray for your country with these powerful prayers for a nation in crisis.
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Praying For a Nation in Crisis
A lot of persons take a hands-off approach to their country’s leadership. They live in the country but believe themselves to be separate from everything–except their basic necessities. They don’t think they should pray for their leaders because the decisions of the government in power have nothing to do with them. But that approach is not biblical. God encourages his people to pray for the country they live in and the leaders that govern them. God wants us to care about our leaders because he knows that their decisions affect our quality of life. Our leaders’ decisions can even affect the quality of our worship.
What Does the Bible Say About Praying for Nations
One of the clearest instructions on how to pray for our leaders and our nation is found in 1 Timothy:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
When we read the Old Testament, we see lots of ways we can say a prayer for a nation in crisis. One of my favorite examples is found in 2 Kings 18-19. Hezekiah was king of Judah and he had stopped paying tribute to the King of Assyria. As you can imagine, the Assyrian monarch was not happy and he decided to go to war against Judah. But before he invaded the city, he played some mind games with them. He taunted the watchmen on the wall; deliberately choosing words he knew would incite fear. He sent his messengers to remind them of all the nations who had fallen before Assyria. Then he sent a letter with these words:
‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?’” 2 Kings 19:10-13 ESV
I’m sure Hezekiah and the people of Judah had a lot to fear. They were a tiny nation compared to those who had fallen before the Assyrians. The Judean army was nothing compared to the sheer size of the Assyrian army. Hezekiah knew he needed to say a prayer for his nation in crisis, but maybe like you, he thought he didn’t know any prayers for crisis situations.
How Do You Pray for a Nation During Times of Crisis
Can you relate to Hezekiah’s situation? Do you need to say a prayer for a nation in crisis? Here are a few prayer points for nations in crisis.
- Ultimately, God is in control of the universe. He’s the one in charge regardless of who is on the governing body of your country, pray for God’s will to be done.
For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. Psalm 22:28 ESV
- Everyone, including our leaders, is subject to a higher power–that power is God.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1 NLT
- God wants to heal our nation. He wants all of us to turn to him so that he can show himself mighty on our behalf.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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 NIV
- When the country you live in has peace, you will have peace.
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. Jeremiah 29:7 KJV
Related: 3 Steps to Let Go and Give Your Worries to God
Prayers for Crisis Situations
Maybe the situation your nation is facing only highlights a personal crisis you were already experiencing. Or it could be that your nation’s crisis has pushed you into a crisis…whatever the case, it’s important to realize that God is always waiting to hear from you. He wants you to call on him in every situation. He wants you to pray when you find yourself in crisis situations. But how do you pray when it seems as if your world is falling apart? How can you practice being a praying woman when your world is falling apart? It helps if you can focus on one aspect at a time. We can start by giving it all over to God and by:
- Praying for our Government and Leaders
- Praying for Health Care Workers
- Praying for First Responders
- Praying for Peace and Unity as a Nation
Prayers for Leaders and Government
Maybe you’re wondering how to pray for your leaders and government. You may feel a little intimidated because it seems as if they have all the power and you have none. But let me remind you that there’s power in prayer and in the name of Jesus. A sample prayer may sound something like this:
Father, I would like to pray for the leaders of my country. I pray they will have the insight to consider all the variables in every situation and that they will make the decisions that benefit the greater majority of people. I pray that they will make the hard decisions as they consider the needs of our nation and its people. I ask that you provide them with good counselors and that they will listen to the advice they receive.
Here are some prayer points to pray for your leaders and government using the Bible as your guide.
Pray for wisdom
When a nation is in crisis, government leaders are often tasked with making hard decisions that impact so many people. Making the wrong decision could cause further chaos! Pray for them to have the wisdom to make these difficult decisions and that they seek out your counsel before all others.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 19:20 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Pray for the protection of your leaders
During times of crisis, government leaders have to make difficult decisions for the good of the nation. These decisions don’t always sit well with others and, as a result, they may be the target of disgruntled citizens. Pray for their safety and to keep them out of harm’s way.
But you, O LORD, are always my shield from danger; you give me victory and restore my courage. Psalms 3:3 GNT He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4 NLT
Pray for Health Care Workers
Our healthcare workers are on the frontlines of every illness and disease that affects our nations. They are often taken for granted as people forget that their jobs often put them in the midst of a nation’s crisis.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Let us pray for our healthcare workers.
Dear Lord, we pray for our healthcare workers–for every person who works in a medical facility or has anything to do with sanitation. We ask that you will protect them from disease and other illnesses. We ask that you will protect their families and provide for their needs. We ask that you will provide the resources they need to do their jobs in the quantities necessary to be effective. Thank you for all you have already done and will continue to do, in Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Pray for First Responders
In today’s society, we depend heavily on our first responders. They are the ones we reach out to to dispatch help when we are not able to reach healthcare facilities on our own strength. But sometimes we forget to pray for them. We forget that, in order to help us, first care responders put their lives at risk often running into danger to protect the people they serve. As we pray for our nations in crisis, we should also pray for our first responders.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
We should pray that they continue to show up to do the job even when it is hard. We should pray that they do the hard job even when they are hesitant or afraid.
Father, we know that you care for your children. We ask that you put a hedge of protection around our first responders as they fight to get people the care and protection they need. Remove their fear as they walk into situations that are sometimes dangerous and give them the skills they need to do the job they have been given. Give them praying families and people who can lift them up in prayer. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Pray for Society to Find Peace and Unity
When people are in a crisis, one of the things they want more than anything is peace. We want peace because when our nations have peace, we will have peace. In the midst of a crisis, you may realize that everyone seems to have their own agenda–agendas that seem to divide when we should be seeking to unify. As you say a prayer for a nation in crisis, remember to pray for the peace and unity of that nation. Pray they work together for the better good of the nation and not get caught up in fear or political differences.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:16 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV
A sample prayer for society could be something like this:
Dear God, we know that you sent your son Jesus so that we can abundant life. We know that you are the author of peace and that the peace you give is unlike anything that can be found on earth. We ask therefore for this peace. We ask that as you grant us your peace that it will be a unifying factor for all humanity. Bind us together Lord with cords of love and peace that cannot be broken. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Praying Truly Helps a Nation in Crisis!
Hezekiah received victory over is enemies through prayer. When he prayed, God listened and moved swiftly to aid the nation of Judah. Hezekiah learned, as did so many other people, that praying truly helps a nation in crisis. Prayer is the gift God has given to his people–an invitation to reach out and receive help, victory, healing, and peace. When you or your nation is in a crisis situation, it’s a great opportunity to turn to the Lord in prayer. Pray for the healing of your nation. Pray that God will send mighty angels to protect and defend the innocent, as well as, turn back the forces of evil.
Father, Thank you for the invitation to come into your presence and stand boldly before the throne of grace. We put the healing of our nations in your hand. We know that it is the enemy’s job to kill, steal, and destroy but you have sent your son to give us abundant life. We put our fears, worries, and anxieties in your hand. We pray for those who are sick, we ask that you will heal our nations, give our leaders wisdom to make decisions for the greater good of the people. We thank you for the provision you have already made and for all the things you will make available to us. Thank you for supplying our needs according to your riches in glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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