During this time of year, we have a series of holidays that place emphasis on celebrating and remembering various aspects of our identity as citizens of the United States of America. Memorial Day places emphasis on remembering those who have died in service to our country in one of military branches. Flag Day is a day to remember the meaning of the flag as a symbol of country's identity. And of course, on the upcoming date of July 4, 2025, which marks the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 - when the United States formally breached the historical relationship with Britain (England). Each of these dates hold a special place in our identity as Americans, and each represents an opportunity to celebrate and honor our country's history and heritage.
I think it should also present those of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ an opportunity to carefully consider how to pray for the United States of America in these very challenging times. In a recent Good Faith Podcast, which I listen to regularly, the topic of discussion was "5 Ways to Pray for America: A Good Faith Guide to Interceding with Humility, Grace, and Hope." The special guest for the podcast was David French, a highly respected constitutional attorney, author, commentator known for his advocacy for civil liberties, religious freedom, and political integrity. He is a columnist for the New York Times, served in the United States Army Reserve and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is an evangelical Christian of strong faith and values. French shared five suggested ways of prayer for America in these days.
French offered the five following points of prayer for America for Christians to follow:
1. Pray for Peace - Immediate Calm - French says that our first instinct may be to "pick a side," but that we should begin instead with a simple powerful plea: "God, grant us peace." He says we should not "rationalize or explain away violence - of any kind, perpetrated by any 'side or tribe' - but rather to pray with clear eyes and soft hearts." He suggested that we join in this Prayer for Peace: "Lord, restrain our hands and our words. Break the cycle of outrage and vengeance. Let peace descend upon me, my neighborhood, my local government, and my state. Let this peace begin with me."
2. Pray for Long-Term Justice - French points out that "peace...cannot stand without justice...If you're praying for peace without praying for justice, you're only applying a bandage to a deeper wound." French says that we should pray for holistic justice - not justice found only in the political party we think is the "most right" but justice rooted in God's vision for shalom (peace). His Prayer for Justice: 'God of truth and righteousness, awaken us to the injustices that persist around us. May our laws reflect your mercy. May our systems uplift the weak. And may we not turn away from what is hard and uncomfortable. Open my eyes further to true shalom and reveal to me my unique role in your bigger restoration of all things.
3. Pray for Grace in Response to Intolerant Times - French reminds us that grace "is the gift we didn't ask for and can never earn." He describes grace as the "active, intentional offering of kindness to those who don't deserve it. His Prayer for Grace: 'Jesus, who gave grace to us while we were still sinners, teach me to love with that same grace. Soften my heart. Guard my mouth. Help me to bless where I once condemned. Lord, show me what extending grace looks like, in specific relationships and through specific situations."
4. Pray for Repentance and for Healing - He points out that before we ask God to change others, we need to invite God to search our own hearts. French notes the serious sins of the tongue - slander, cruelty, twisting facts to make a point. A key point is that repentance is not shame. It is transformation. It is the starting point for healing. It opens the door to forgiveness. Hear his Prayer for Repentance: 'Father, forgive me for the ways I have wounded others - with my assumptions, my sarcasm, my silence. Show me where I have been complicit in harm. Highlight for me the moments when I've been digging in, holding on, lashing out, assuming the worst, and worshipping the many idols I continue to love more than you. Lead me not just to confession, but to change. To the kind of change that only you can bring about - change that lasts, heals, repairs, restores."
5. Pray for Reconciliation for the Future - At the heart of the gospel is not just forgiveness, but restored relationship, French shares. He offers this as the ultimate goal - not just peace, but reconciliation. Not just quiet, but communion. French writes, "In a nation where millions of people see 'the other side' as dangerous, stupid, or evil, we are called to something deeper. True reconciliation requires the courage to see each other as fellow image-bearers of God, not enemies to be defeated. This does not mean abandoning truth. It means holding truth with tenderness and refusing to dehumanize even those we disagree with most." Join me in praying French's Prayer for Reconciliation: 'Lord, break down the walls we've built - in our hearts, our families, our churches, our nation. Give me the courage to reach out. Give me patience when it's not returned. Let me be a peacemaker, a bridge-builder, a reconciler. Lord, transform me in the process by grounding me in truth: I am made in your image and so is my opponent."
French reminds us that prayer is not a guarantee of instant results. Many prior generations have prayed for justice that they never saw in their lifetime. We pray "with open hands and eternal eyes: With humility, not certainty. With hope, not despair. With faith, not fear." He concludes his study with this text: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
