Prayer Guide for Praying for Nations
Prayer Guide for Praying for the Nations
For Nations in General
For nations to recognize God’s sovereignty and authority 1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:1–12
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Isaiah 40:15
For nations to put their hope in God 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth — 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite al l its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you Psalm 33:12–22
For the Holy Spirit to convict the people of the nation 5 “Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, „Where are you going?‟ 6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” John 16:5–11
For People in Authority in the Nation
To have their hearts directed by the Lord The king‟s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1
To recognize their authority as under God 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don‟t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above...” John 19:10–11a
To allow the Christians to live in peace 1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4
For Christians in the Nation
To repent from sin and turn back to God If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 To function as salt and light in their society 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13–16
To function as servants 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25–28
To love one another 34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34–35
To function as Christ’s ambassadors 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men‟s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ‟s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ‟s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:18–21
To properly submit to the government 1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God‟s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God‟s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God‟s servants, who give their full time to governing. Romans 13:1–6
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord‟s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God‟s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13–17 To function as model citizens 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?” 25 “Caesar‟s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar‟s, and to God what is God‟s.” Luke 20:24–25
To remember where their true citizenship lies But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20
For nations to recognize God’s sovereignty and authority 1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:1–12
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Isaiah 40:15
For nations to put their hope in God 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth — 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite al l its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you Psalm 33:12–22
For the Holy Spirit to convict the people of the nation 5 “Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, „Where are you going?‟ 6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” John 16:5–11
For People in Authority in the Nation
To have their hearts directed by the Lord The king‟s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1
To recognize their authority as under God 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don‟t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above...” John 19:10–11a
To allow the Christians to live in peace 1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4
For Christians in the Nation
To repent from sin and turn back to God If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 To function as salt and light in their society 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13–16
To function as servants 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25–28
To love one another 34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34–35
To function as Christ’s ambassadors 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men‟s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ‟s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ‟s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:18–21
To properly submit to the government 1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God‟s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God‟s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God‟s servants, who give their full time to governing. Romans 13:1–6
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord‟s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God‟s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13–17 To function as model citizens 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?” 25 “Caesar‟s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar‟s, and to God what is God‟s.” Luke 20:24–25
To remember where their true citizenship lies But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20
Prayer Guide by simusa.org
9 Tips for Prayer Focus
- Turn off distractions
- Close your computer, mute your phone, and put away anything else that may be distracting. It's easy to get distracted when your mind wanders, so try to put away things that could be distracting. If your mind starts to wander, acknowledge it and re-center your focus.
- Make a list.
- Write a list of people, places, events, people groups, nations, situations, etc. that you want to pray for. Remember that friend that asked you to pray for them? Or that coworker you said you'd pray for? Write it down so you don't forget!
- Use a journal or paper
- A journal can not only be a helpful, organized place to keep track of prayer requests, but also a place to sort thoughts. Writing out prayers can be a way to sort through your what is going on. When you date the journal entries, you can look back at old entries and see where the Lord has answered prayers!
- Pray scripture
- Pick a passage to read through and pray. Try starting with the Psalms, as you read, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more to you. Respond to what you hear the Lord saying or how you feel Him prompting.
- Pray Out Loud
- This makes it feel more like a conversation, rather than just listing off your requests for the Lord. Leave space to listen to what He is speaking.
- Listen
- Take time to be silent. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and be patient in waiting. Write down thoughts that come to you and ask for further revelation.
- Walk
- Try walking around the room or outside. If you are praying outside, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Look for symbols or signs the Lord may be revealing to you. Continue with curiosity and ask the Lord questions. Pray for things that you feel prompted by.
- Use a prayer guide
- Check out the prayer guides posted on the wall in the HOME prayer room, or on this blog, or on our website (sc-home.org/resources).
- Find a prayer partner
- Ask someone you know and trust to join you in intentional prayer. Pray together in person, or hold one another accountable in prayer times. Follow up with one another about what you feel the Lord has revealed to you, what He's challenging you with, what you have questions about, etc.
