Pray For Your Nation: Why You Should

“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” – Jeremiah 29:7

We live in a politically charged moment in time. From the upcoming elections in the USA to violent protests in the UK, France, Kenya, Nigeria and other parts of the world, as well as wars and rumours of war in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and its neighbouring countries in the Middle East. It’s easy to feel like a spectator, a powerless commentator, or even a victim of circumstances in all these. While some have taken sides, others feel anxious, fearful, angry, and frustrated.

As Christians, how does God want us to respond? The opening scripture gives us God’s instruction to the Israelites while in captivity. Wars and conflicts are inevitable according to scripture. God does not want us to be ignorant or powerless. In Israel, the tribe of Issachar was known for understanding the times and seasons and so they led their brethren.

God does not take sides, rather we are to take His side because He is sovereign, and all things will work to fulfil His will. When we acknowledge this sovereignty, then we can trust and rest in God even when we don’t understand.

We are to be shining lights, showing the world how to respond to crises. The world’s way is violence, anger, and strife, but Jesus told us to pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us. To show them love, and this is how the world will know we are His disciples.

Why should we pray for our nations?

1. God’s Sovereignty: Praying reminds us of the Sovereignty of God over the Nations.
2. Aligns Us with God’s Will: Praying for our Nation aligns us with God’s will. We are to pray that God’s will is done in our nation as it is done in heaven. In prayer, God’s purpose is revealed (through spiritual leadings like prophecy, visions, word of knowledge, etc.) and we are empowered to walk in the right direction with clarity. It helps us know what to do when to do, and how to do it.
3. Heals Negative Emotions: Praying for our nation heals us from negative emotions (fear, anger, frustration) and opens our hearts to empathy and compassion for our community. We become peacemakers and peace carriers to a troubled world because we see things from God’s perspective – Love and not sensationalism.
4. Empowers Us: The prayers of a righteous man are effective and make tremendous power available. Jesus gave us all Authority in heaven and on earth. So we are not powerless to change the course of events in our nations. When we stand in agreement, what we bind on earth is bound in heaven.
5. Spiritual Warfare: The Bible tells us that we are not warring against mere humans but against spiritual forces in high places. These forces are responsible for sowing divisions, hatred, violence, and all kinds of evil. Your human neighbour is not your enemy. Some are used in their ignorance. When we pray, we overthrow these evil forces and enforce God’s purpose and mindset in our community and our nations.

Now is the time for you to join with believers everywhere to pray for your country. You can join our prayer room online to add your voice. Don’t just be a spectator, commentator, or victim. Arise and speak God’s will over your country today.