A Prayer for the Nation

“The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands” (Psalm 9:15-16, ESV).

In these verses, David moved his attention from an individual lament to grief on a national scale. He cried out for his nation and its leaders not to forget God. 

May we all pray for this in the United States of America. The need for a spiritual breakthrough in our country is obvious. We need to see God’s delivering power break the enemy’s grip over laws and institutions, from schools to government to politics.

All of these have sunk into a pit of their own making and are snared. “The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

The Lord invites us to cry as David cried, “Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them into fear, O Lord! Let the nations know they are but men!” (Psalm 9:19-20).

Humans have some power, but God has all the power. In our affliction, whether individual or national, let us seek him to rise up and judge according to his righteousness and justice. No concern is too small for him, and no issue is too big. He can change hearts or nations with equal power. We are only men and women, but he is Lord, ruler over all. 

As we pray, let us all seek a new song not just for our lives and families but also for our country. Trust Jesus both for your problems and for the nation because he is faithful. May God forgive us, cleanse us and renew us.

^{This devotional has been adapted from Gary Wilkerson’s book, The Altar of Our Hearts: An Expository Devotional on the Psalms.}