What would happen if we taught our children and grandchildren to pray for our nation?

How different might our future generations be if more of us earnestly prayed for those who serve in our armed forces? Think of how glorious our intercession could be for America – and for the nations that benefit from her influence.

Conversely, imagine where our country would be today if no one prayed for our nation and our military and their families. Or if we neglected our Gold Star families (families of fallen service members).

We owe a great debt to those who are serving and have served. Without them, we’d be vulnerable to our adversaries and suffer unthinkable terror and bondage like some nations are experiencing.

We want our children and grandchildren (and their children and grandchildren) not only to live in a free country but also to understand the cost of freedom and never take our great (albeit imperfect) country for granted.

Earlier this month, we prayed for our nation as we celebrated the National Day of Prayer. Now, on Memorial Day, we honor those who have died defending our country. What better way to honor them than by continuing to pray for America, including – rather especially – for our military?

Let’s place the protection of our armed forces high on our prayer list. Let’s also intercede for our soldiers’ families – especially those who can never welcome their soldiers back home.

I’m thankful God blessed me with people who modeled prayer as a way of life. Because of their example, I sought to model the same to my children. If we teach our younger generations well, perhaps they’ll learn to respect our nation’s leaders and our military. Maybe they’ll be more likely to honor our flag and better appreciate our Gold Star families.

Paul, in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV), urges us to pray for all people:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

The future of America lies in the hands of our younger generations. As we share our love of freedom with them, may our beloved country resound with an overwhelming multitude of voices in deep, continual prayer.

If we commit to intercede for America, especially for our leaders and our armed forces – and teach future generations to do the same – we could become a country whose values God can bless.

Do our country and its leaders really need our prayers? Would our military and their families notice if we interceded on their behalf?

What do you think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

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