O Almighty God, you pour out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Spirit of Prayer
This past Thursday, May 1st, was the National Day of Prayer. Did you miss it? I did! I’m unsure what this means for us as a nation, as most news coverage was nonexistent.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the frequency of prayer among Americans. While most Americans still engage in prayer, the percentage who pray daily has decreased, while the share of those who pray seldom or not at all has increased. In 2007, 58% of Americans reported praying at least once a day. By 2023, this number had fallen to 44%.
This highlights a significant issue in America; the National Day of Prayer marks an important historical aspect of the nation’s faith and religious foundations.
“In 1988, the Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer, “on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” – the Whitehouse.gov
A Prayer for the Nation – National Day of Prayer 2025
Heavenly Father,
On this National Day of Prayer, we come before You as citizens of the United States, seeking Your wisdom, guidance, and blessing. We gather across this land, diverse in our backgrounds yet united in this moment, acknowledging our dependence upon You.
We thank You for the freedoms we cherish and the opportunities this nation affords. We are grateful for the beauty of this land and the spirit of its people.
Lord, we confess that we have not always followed Your ways. We have allowed division, pride, and self-interest to pull us apart. Forgive us for the times we have failed to love our neighbors as ourselves, neglected justice, or turned away from Your truth. Cleanse our hearts and renew a right spirit within us.
We lift up our leaders – the President, members of Congress, Governors, Mayors, judges, and all who hold positions of public trust at every level. Grant them wisdom beyond their own understanding, integrity to act justly, courage to face difficult challenges, and compassion for all they serve. Guide their decisions, that they might lead with humility and seek the common good.
Bless our communities, Lord. Heal the divisions that wound us. Foster understanding, respect, and reconciliation among us. Strengthen our families, schools, workplaces, and places of worship. Protect those who serve in our military, our first responders, and all who work to keep us safe and free. Pour out Your spirit of peace upon our streets and in our homes.
Inspire us, Your people, to be agents of hope, advocates for the vulnerable, and examples of Your love. Help us to be faithful stewards of the resources You have given us and to seek justice and righteousness in all our affairs.
Revive our nation, Lord. Draw us closer to You and to one another. May Your grace abound, Your peace reign, and Your will be done in the United States of America.
We place our trust and our future in Your loving hands. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
O King and Judge of the nations: We remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our armed forces, who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy; grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
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