Today is the National Day of Prayer, a day set aside to pray for our nation. The theme for this year is “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield.” The theme is based on Scripture, Psalm 28:7: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.”
The 2008 Prayer for Our Nation was written by Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Honorary Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force.
Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry,
You have given us food in abundance;
In a world where so many are hurting,
You offer to bind up our wounds;
In a world where so many are lonely,
You offer friendship to every heart;
In a world longing for peace,
You offer hope.
Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant.
Have mercy upon us, Lord.
Our nation is at a crossroads this year;
we look to you to be our strength and shield.
Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you
and to respond to the wisdom from above
so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.
In God’s holy name.
The following prayer for our country is from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Global Day of Prayer is Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008. Download a prayer guide to participate in ten days of constant prayer leading up to the Global Day of Prayer.
Wherever you are, I hope you will participate in praying for our world.
[tags]National Day of Prayer, Global Day of Prayer[/tags]