I struggled as I tried to conceive this month’s prayer prompt.
As Independence Day approaches, I wanted to suggest a prayer for our nation.

I wanted us to pray into gun violence and domestic violence. I wanted us to pray into hunger and housing insecurity. I wanted us to pray into racism and immigration and acceptance. I wanted us to pray into anxiety, addiction and fear. I wanted us to pray for our leaders, our first responders, our teachers, our pastors, our parents of children and youth.

I wanted us to pray into an election season that, in its early days, promises to be hateful and hurtful.

For the first time, I launched an internet search for help. How do we pray for our nation? What scripture can guide us through a time when our challenges seem so immense?

I found many suggestions, all of them sound. I found the most practical response, the most promising response, at the bottom of a column posted in 2019 at a site called Embracing.life. The author, Jenn Soehnlin, who describes herself as a mother of two, suggested 15 pieces of scripture to use in praying for our nation. These are the passages I found most encouraging:

Pray that our hearts would love generously and help those in need in our country. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Pray that our hearts will let go of any anger or bitterness toward those with different ideas and show them love and respect. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Could we become a nation that values others and looks away from our own interests? Could we become a nation that is kind and compassionate and forgiving?

On July 2, as the sun sets around 8:55 pm, from wherever you are, with whomever wants to join you, let’s pray together for God’s Light in helping us transform into a nation that values every individual and meets every opportunity with kindness and compassion.

Lord, help us step away from our anger and bitterness and selfish ambition. Lord, help us to see each other, serve each other and value each other.

Lord, raise leaders among us who see value in all people and are committed to protecting and providing all of us.

Lord, help us to be leaders—in our church, in our neighborhoods, in our schools and workplaces, in our family and friend circles—who value all people and commit to protecting and providing and sharing your glorious Light. Amen.

Photo by John