In these volatile times, I find myself wondering how to manage my fear, anger and sadness over the America my children and grandchildren will inherit. With wars raging and unrest spreading across the globe, it’s hard not to feel as though we may be on the brink of another world war.

Rather than succumbing to despair and resentment about the state of our country (and the world), I pray. I know many of you are doing the same.

Praying focuses me and directs my heart, thoughts and emotions. It calms my days and nights. How could I continue if I didn’t talk to God about all that concerns me? And there is much that concerns me.

If we love our country, we must pray for those who lead it. God’s Word doesn’t tell us to pray only for the leaders we like, but to pray for all in high positions (1 Timothy 2:2). If you don’t know what to pray, ask God to show you how to intercede for our national, local and spiritual leaders, as well as our law enforcement officers.

In light of the chaos and discord ravaging our world, we also need to pray for those who are living in war-torn nations and for those who are simply clawing to survive.

It’s difficult to live and work in a hostile world, which is why we as Christ-followers must live and love differently. Praying can help us grow in our love for those with whom we disagree and pave the way toward transforming our communities – and our world. We can ask God to fulfill His purposes for the United States of America in such a way that other nations will also be blessed.

When we pray, we honor our Creator. Praying helps us mature in our faith. Our confidence grows as we see there is absolutely nothing too difficult for Almighty God – even in these unpredictable times.

This year’s National Day of Prayer theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.”  This year’s Bible verse is 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB):

Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

Current events weigh heavily on all of us. Thankfully, God is powerful, compassionate, merciful – and fully in control. Praying for each other and for all leaders around the globe is a powerful way to slow down the escalation. The more we pray, the better we (and future) generations can face whatever the future holds.

Today, I’m asking God to help us pray with even greater fervor, with such expectancy that we’re compelled to declare God’s glory in America and among the nations.

What about you?

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