DAY 3 - Praying for Our Nation

Today's Focus: Repentance/Forgiveness

October 3, 2012 
 

Suggested Scriptural References: 

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? ~Malachi 3:7

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.  ~Revelation 2:4-5

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~1 John 1:9 

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ~Romans 2:4 

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  ~Luke 24:45-47

The suggested prayers below are a guideline to follow.

Suggested Prayers:

Thank You that as we genuinely repent, You extend Your mercy and pardon.  Please lead us to an understanding of how far we have strayed as a nation.  We humbly and sincerely ask for Your forgiveness and restoration.

We pray repentance for our entire nation including and most importantly from us, the church.

We pray for Your forgiveness for a nation that has lost its way without You.

We pray for Your merciful patience and protection over America as we seek to turn our country back to You.

Father, cleanse me from all sin.  Fill me with knowledge and wisdom that I may be worthy of Your blessing and may be equipped to stay strong in my faith. Grant me patience as I labor to make Your ways known in my nation and Your world.

Forgive us for our attempts to control and fix this broken world in our own power.

Forgive me for the things I have said or done which have contributed to hostility toward the Christian faith.  Show me the error of my ways, and allow me to seek and find Your ways above all others.

Forgive me when I have neglected to speak up when Your name is blasphemed.  Give me boldness to speak out in Your defense, and humility to demonstrate reverence for You.  May Your name be reverenced once again in the public arena.

Forgive my silence, Lord.

Father Your Word makes clear that we cannot mock You without consequence.  Forgive our nation, Lord.  Show us a perfect balance of living gracefully and championing truth.  May our lives be evidence of your goodness and righteousness.

Forgive me for failing to love as You love, for holding unforgiveness in my heart when You died to forgive me.

Thank You for accepting our genuine repentance, and for Your mercy and pardon.

In the Name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen and amen!

Source: http://americanprayerinitiative.org/full_article.php?article_no=3