One Nation Under God

On this, the National Day of Prayer, here are some things I am remembering in prayer.

Government
praying for our leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Asking God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.
I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2

Federal Government
praying for the President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, and Supreme Court Justices.

State Government
praying for the Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders and Judicial Leaders.

Local Government
praying for the Mayor, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials, Pastors, and Leaders of education.

Military
"He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them . . . and encouraged them with these words: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles . . . '" II Chronicles 32: 6-8

Praying for:

* courage and dependence on God (Psalm 91)

* perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

* Divine protection from the enemy (Romans 5:1-5)

* wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

* confidence and vision to persist in the face of negative publicity (Psalm 18:31-39)

* protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

* chaplains who are divinely appointed to deliver hope and spiritual strength (Proverbs 4:11)

Media

" . . . Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Praying for:

The decision makers within the media to realize they can make a profit by producing family-friendly projects (Proverbs 8:10-11)

Christians in media to find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public (Proverbs 2:1-15)

Celebrities to be provided with repeated opportunities to hear and receive salvation 

(Proverbs 8:35)

Business 

"I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working . . . " Exodus 31: 3-4

Praying for integrity among Christian workers so that they win the right to be heard 

(I Chronicles 29: 17) . . . for impartation of ideas and resources to open principled businesses, especially in areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15) . . . for Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers (Philippians 2:3) 

Education

"And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:3-6

Praying for a return to truth and Judeo-Christian ethics (Psalm 1:1-2) . . . a safe atmosphere conducive to learning . . . excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21) . . .  equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philipians 1:9)

Church

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." 

Colossians 2:6-8

Praying that the church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37) . . . for unity with and among churches that reveals God's love to the world (John 17:23) . . . a return to the absolutes of God's word (Psalm 1:1-3) . . . for integrity -- that God's people look and act differently than the world (I Peter 2:11; I Corinthians 13:6) and for a holy fear of the Lord to be released in the heart of God's people (Proverbs 9:10)

Family

"If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." Mark 3:25

Praying for unity and love in individual family units that reaches out in hospitality toward others (Romans  12:9-13) . . . the re-establishment of relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6) . . . a return to family values that serve the nation as a whole 

(Job 22:21-22) . . . and a return to the biblical mandate to train their children at home in the fear of the LORD and not leave the responsibility to others (Proverbs 22:6)