Prayer Topic #4:

A Declaration of Independence for the United States of America

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 89:8-14, Exodus 15:1-20

Reflections of the Heart:

Let us remember those who fought for our nation’s independence and God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

 Scriptural Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the United States of America. Thank You for allowing us to live in a nation where we can freely worship You.  We thank You that we are also free to lift our voices in protest as we deal with systemic racism, injustice and police oppression.  We are thankful that people from all races and walks of life are now making their voices heard.  Thank You, Lord, for being the rock and fortress of the United States of America.  Lord, we come clapping our hands and shouting with joyful praise to You, the Great King of all the earth.  You are awesome!  You subdue the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet.  We will be still and know that You are God.  You will be honored by everyone and throughout the world.

 Gracious Father, where Your Spirit is, there is freedom. Your Word says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” As we celebrate the Independence of our United States, we thank You for providing our freedom through Your grace and mercy. We confess that You, God, who began this good work within our country, will continue Your work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. On July 2, 1776, delegates of thirteen colonies voted to declare independence from British rule, and on July 4th, the formal wording of the declaration was approved and signed. Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering the founding fathers with Your wisdom, knowledge and courage.  We are thankful for the fact that all men are created equal and are endowed by You, our Creator, with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  We declare that by your Spirit, during this time in our history, Your justice will run down like water and Your righteousness like a mighty stream for all citizens in the country.  We acknowledge that You are the place of safety for this nation and as a result, we desire to dwell in freedom and security.  We declare that as the enemy comes against our nation like a flood, we are expecting You to continue to raise up a standard against him so that we may live in a land of peace, joy and abundance.

What freedoms in our nation are you personally praying for? 

Omnipotent Father, we thank You for the soldiers who fought for our independence. Thank You for the men and women who are presently fighting to maintain our freedom and independence. Holy Spirit, we ask that You will strengthen them and help them to remain strong in battle. Lord, hide our troops and allies beneath the shadow of Your wings until any danger passes. Holy Spirit, we thank you for the police who protect our communities every day.  Please keep them safe and identify those few officers who are causing harm to our communities, especially the African American community and communities of color.  Protect Black Lives Matter protestors around the world who are risking their health during the pandemic for the cause of justice and righteousness for the lives of Black people and all who are oppressed.  Holy Spirit, touch our nation’s leaders to trust in You with all their hearts and not lean to their own understanding.  Help them to seek Your will as they create sweeping reforms that will dismantle racism and police brutality.  You promise to direct their paths if they will follow You. Remind every American believer that You have given all of us the grace to walk in righteousness and peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Holy Spirit, we are asking for sweeping reforms in the Body of Christ so that the Church stands for justice and righteousness and speaks Truth to power.

Holy Father, forgive our nation for taking our constitutional freedoms for granted.  Forgive our governmental leaders for abusing and misusing the laws of this land to suit their own personal interests, agendas and needs.  Forgive us, as a nation, for not always acknowledging You and Your righteousness.  Forgive us for not respecting those whom You have placed in authority to lead our nation.  Forgive our nation’s leaders for their sins.  Forgive those who do not consult with You about governing our country.  Forgive the Body of Christ for treating Your Word as if it is an ala carte smorgasbord.   Forgive us, as believers, for turning our heads to the cries of the oppressed.  Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed).  Holy Spirit, remind every American citizen of those they need to forgive and help them to be quick to forgive.  As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive.  (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive.  As He reveals them, say “I forgive name of person(s).”  Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)

Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.

Lord of Heaven’s Armies You are the only true God.  You are the living God and the everlasting King.  The whole earth trembles at Your anger. The nations cannot stand up to Your wrath.  You are the Creator of everything that exists.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture References for the Written Text (NKJV and NLT):  Psalm 47:1-3, Psalm 46:10, II Corinthians 3:17, Psalm 33:12, Philippians 1:6, II Samuel 22:3, Isaiah 59:19 NKJV, Psalm 57:1, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:13, Jeremiah 10:10,16