I have lived in the United States my entire life with only a few excursions out of the country. I love my country. It's beautiful from sea to shining sea!

One of the most beautiful gifts of living in the United States is that, as a Christian, I have been able to exercise my faith freely without the extreme persecution found in other countries. Many have died for their faith because of that persecution. Our nation was founded by receiving counsel from God to ensure all men would be free.

Throughout our history, we have been challenged in many ways to stay true to that divine counsel and compass. Fallen man seeks control and sides with the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10). And if there’s one thing the enemy hates, it's freedom to worship the One True Living God.

Many Christians do not want to get involved in the political arena because they don’t want to have to deal with the conflict. And, quite honestly, they have listened to human rhetoric instead of basing their lives and moral principles on the word of God.

The Bible warns us that the road is narrow, and few are they that find it (see Matthew 7:13–14). And in these last days, that is truer than ever. The Bible also says that the nations belong to the Lord (see Psalm 82:8 & Psalm 2:8). So, the United States belongs to the Lord, and nothing changes that because the word of God is perfect and true.

The United States has a destiny, and God has called His people to seek Him and pray for our nation so that it can fulfill its destiny. The Bible tells us to humble ourselves and pray, and He promises that He will hear from heaven and heal our land (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).

I happen to know many intercessors who are standing on the wall, praying for our nation. Praying that we would continue to be a Godly nation and that our land would be healed from its moral decay and sinful condition. Yet a very large portion of the church remains prayerless. They don't really believe that what happens in our nation is conditional on how we respond to God and if we make Him the King of this nation rather than ourselves and our entitled attitudes.

In truth, we are not entitled to anything. Every good gift is from God Himself (see James 1:7). If we, as a nation, choose unrighteousness, we will eat the fruit of our sinful ways and suffer because of it. Scripture says when the righteous are in control, people rejoice, but wickedness brings suffering (see Proverbs 29:2).

How do we exercise our vote? Are we looking at personality and human flaws? Or are we looking at and basing our decision on how the leader stands for morality and biblical standards even though they are flawed? Since when has God used a perfect person to accomplish His will and ways?

If we don’t pray for our leaders, it would be a good idea not to side with the enemy in criticism and negativity against them either. We, as the people of God, are the ones who determine how our country will stand or fall before the Lord. One Pastor friend said that the future belongs to the intercessors. Everyone is called not only to pray but to pray without ceasing (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). That includes for leaders and those in authority (see 1 Timothy 2:1–6).

As a Christian, that is part of our responsibilities. And the more we take that to heart, the more we will experience the Lord's presence in our nation and His blessings upon our land. I, for one, long for the Lord’s glory to fill the earth, every nation, tongue, and tribe (see Habakkuk 2:14). And it shall be so, for many will come to the Lord in these last days, but we must keep praying and humbling ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and trust that He will heal our land. Because He is an amazing God who desires none to be lost but all to come to eternal life (see 2 Peter 3:9).

He truly is the King of the United States, and He will have it as His inheritance. We are called as His bride to co-labor with Him to bring about His purposes and plans (see 1 Corinthians 3:9).

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the United States of America. One Nation under God with liberty and justice for all. We call upon You and recognize You as the head and leader of our nation. Please continue to lead us and guide us in the days ahead. May our roots as a nation continue to stay deep and strong in You so that the righteous can rejoice and not suffer under wicked leaders who have forsaken Your path. We pray for those in authority, that they will be sensitive and obedient to Your voice and lead us according to moral and Biblical standards. Help them to walk in humility and operate under Your hand of justice. May Your people also humble themselves, seek Your face, and pray so that You will come, heal our land, and bring us back to You so we can live in Your presence with peace and joy.

Key Scriptures

Additional Scriptures pertaining to praying for those in authority:

• 1 Timothy 1:1–2
• Proverbs 21:1
• Romans 13:1
• James 1:5
• Psalm 2:10–11