“Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much” is the 2023 National Day of Prayer theme, based on James 5:16. National Day of Prayer promotes seven pillars of prayer focused on the government, military, media, business, education, church, and family.

A Prayer For the American Government

Father God, Your word teaches us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). We ask that You raise up leaders committed to upholding justice, righteousness, and the common good. We pray that our leaders would be guided by your wisdom and discernment and that they would seek your will in all they do (James 1:5). We ask that they would be men and women of integrity who are not swayed by the corrupting influences of power and wealth (Proverbs 16:8). We pray for a government that protects the poor, defends the rights of the oppressed, and ensures that justice is served for all (Psalm 82:3-4). We ask that our leaders would be compassionate and merciful, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who came to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim freedom for the captives (Luke 4:18). We pray for a government that is characterized by love, not hate; by humility, not pride; and by service, not self-promotion (Galatians 5:22-23). We ask that our leaders would be willing to listen to the concerns of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status (James 2:1-5). We ask that you would give us the courage and perseverance to speak truth to power, to stand up for what is right, and to work tirelessly for a more just and equitable society (Micah 6:8). May our words and actions be guided by your love, and may we never lose sight of your vision for a world where justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24).

A Prayer for American Military

Father God, we come before you today to pray for world peace and safety for our military members who serve our country. Your word teaches us that You are the God of peace and that You desire that all people live in harmony and security (Romans 15:33, Psalm 122:6). We ask that You would end all conflicts and wars and that Your peace would reign throughout the world. We ask that you would keep the men and women who serve in our military safe from harm and that you would surround them with your angels, who encamp around those who fear you (Psalm 34:7). We pray for their families, who sacrifice so much while their loved ones are serving overseas. We ask that you would comfort them in their times of loneliness and fear and that they would be strengthened by your presence (Psalm 46:1). Lord, we pray that our leaders would pursue peace, guided by your wisdom and discernment, as they make decisions that affect the lives of so many. We ask that you would give them the courage to stand up for what is right and to work tirelessly for a world where peace and justice reign (Isaiah 32:17). Finally, we ask that you would help us to be peacemakers in our own lives, and to seek reconciliation and forgiveness in our relationships with others (Matthew 5:9). May we never forget the sacrifices made by our military members, and may we always strive to honor and support them in every way we can.

A Prayer for American Media

Father God, we come before you today to pray against media bias and propaganda, which can distort the truth and mislead so many. Your word teaches us that the truth will set us free and that we should seek wisdom and discernment in all we do (John 8:32, James 1:5). We ask that you would help us to discern truth from falsehood and that you would expose and defeat any media bias or propaganda that seeks to deceive. We pray that those who work in the media will be committed to upholding journalistic integrity and reporting the truth without fear or favor (Proverbs 31:8-9). We ask that they would be guided by your wisdom and discernment and that they would resist any pressures to distort the truth for personal gain or political influence (Proverbs 11:3). We pray for those who are affected by media bias and propaganda that they would have the discernment to recognize it, and the courage to speak out against it (Proverbs 14:15). We ask that you would give them the strength to stand up for what is right, and to seek the truth in all they do (Ephesians 4:15). We pray for our leaders, that they would be held accountable for their words and actions, and that they would not use media bias or propaganda to manipulate public opinion (Proverbs 21:1). We ask that they would be guided by your truth and wisdom and that they would seek the common good, rather than personal gain (Philippians 2:3-4). We ask that you give us the courage and perseverance to speak truth to power and resist any temptation to compromise our values or beliefs (1 Peter 3:15). May we always seek the truth and be guided by your love and grace.

A Prayer for American Businesses

Father God, we come before you today to pray for fair labor practices and an economy that benefits everyone. Your word teaches us that we should treat others as we would like to be treated and that we should seek justice and righteousness in all we do (Matthew 7:12, Isaiah 1:17). We ask that you would help us to create an economy that reflects these values, and that benefits everyone, not just a select few. Lord, we pray that workers who are exploited and mistreated in their jobs will be protected and empowered to speak out against injustice (Proverbs 31:8-9). We ask that you would raise up leaders who are committed to upholding fair labor practices and ensuring that workers are fairly paid for their labor (James 5:4). We pray for business owners and executives that they would be guided by your wisdom and discernment and that they would lead with Christian wisdom and conviction. We pray for business leaders and executives that value the well-being of their employees (Proverbs 22:16). We ask that they would be willing to take a stand for justice, fairness, and Christian conviction even if doing so means sacrificing their own financial gain (Proverbs 11:1). Finally, we ask that you would help us to be responsible consumers, who are mindful of the impact our purchases have on others (1 Corinthians 10:31). May we always seek to support businesses that exemplify Christian values and model fair labor and ethical business practices. Help us create an economy of opportunity that rewards fairness, justice, and hard work. 

A Prayer for American Education

Father God, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of education. We pray for our nation that you would bless our students, teachers, and administrators with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as they pursue excellence in learning. We ask that you guide our leaders to make decisions that prioritize the education of our children and promote an environment that fosters growth and development. We pray for the protection of our schools and universities so that they may be safe spaces for learning and exploration. We know that your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We ask that you bless our students with the ability to understand and apply the knowledge they gain in their studies. Help them to develop critical thinking skills and to seek truth in all areas of life. Proverbs 1:7, it says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We pray that our schools and universities will be places where your name is honored and revered. May our students and teachers seek you first in everything they do, and may they find true wisdom from knowing you. We also pray for those who are struggling in their studies. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We ask that you strengthen those feeling discouraged or overwhelmed and give them the perseverance to press on and achieve their goals. We pray that you will use the education system in America to bring glory to your name. May our students enter the world equipped to serve you and positively impact society. 

A Prayer for the Church in America

Father God, we come before you today to lift up the churches in America. We pray that You bless them with Your presence and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. May they be places where your name is glorified, your Word is proclaimed, and your love is demonstrated. We pray that the churches in America would be united in purpose and mission, as it says in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” We ask that you bless the pastors and leaders of these churches with wisdom, discernment, and humility as they seek to lead their congregations. May they be faithful to preach Your truth and shepherd Your people with love and compassion. We pray for the members of these churches that they would be filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, as it says in Colossians 1:9. May they be committed to growing in their faith, serving one another, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around them. We know that the church is called to be a light in the darkness and that you have called us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We pray that the churches in America will be known for their love and commitment to serving those in need. May they be a reflection of your grace and mercy in the world. We pray that you will use the churches in America to bring about a revival in our land. May we see a great awakening as your people turn to you in repentance and faith and as many come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

A Prayer for American Families

Father God, we come to you today to lift up the families in America. We pray that You bless them with Your love, grace, and peace. May they be strengthened in their relationships with one another, and may they grow in their love for you. As it says in Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” We ask that you be the foundation of every family in America and guide them in all their relationships. May they seek Your wisdom and guidance in all areas of their lives. We pray for the parents in these families that they would be faithful to raise their children in the ways of the Lord, as it says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Help them to be a godly example to their children and to teach them to love and serve you. Lord, we know that families face many challenges in this world. We pray for those struggling with conflict, division, or brokenness. May they find healing and restoration in you. We also pray for those facing financial difficulties, health problems, or other trials. May they find comfort and strength in your loving arms. Help husbands and wives to love one another as Christ loved the church and to be faithful to one another in all things. Finally, we pray that you would use the families in America to be a light in the world. May our families be known for their love, kindness, and compassion. 

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.