Four Ways to Pray for America

We find ourselves on the eve of July 4th. America is amid a global pandemic and a heightened conversation on racism. What divides us can seem stronger than what brings us together. The volume of our disagreement continues to intensify.

Paul in Philippians 3 makes this statement about followers of Jesus:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20-12

Paul, in Philippians 3, points out his past in valuing his status and religious performance more than Jesus. His encounter with Jesus transformed the way he lived out his calling. Thus, Paul directs the Philippians and us to keep our eyes towards Jesus above all.

Our citizenship of heaven informs our citizenship in America. The values of the gospel transform how we love our neighbor, whether we agree or disagree with them.

So as we approach July 4th in this complicated time, I wanted to share five ways you can pray for America in this season:

Compassion in the Conversation on Racism.

I have often thought about what Jesus might say in this current climate. The gospel calls us to see people created in God’s image. The love Jesus extends us at the cross moves us to others. That changes how we engage the conversation on racism—our prayers than reflect God’s compassion to step into the places where we have not been.

I believe Rich Villodas sums it up well below.

Navigating the Coronavirus.

We are facing real anxiety and fear of the unknown of the Coronavirus. It seems just like yesterday that we began this shutdown in March. At this point, we need an intervention that only Jesus can bring to help us through this pandemic.

Guidance for the key decision-makers in this season.

Leaders from every sector of society need God’s wisdom to navigate the Coronavirus and respond to racism. No matter our feedback and criticism, our prayers can begin to call on God’s hand moving in our leaders.

Loving our neighbors who see the world differently.

Honestly, the continuous debates online have taken their toll. I believe in this season; we need to reimagine what it looks like to love our neighbor, especially those whom we disagree. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus brought churches together from people from different ethnicities and social statuses. The most profound sermon America will see is two people neighboring together who they never thought could.

Let’s take a moment this July 4th to pray for our nation and to pray that God would continue to change our hearts.

Photo by Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash