The Lord's Prayer for our Nation

1 Timothy 2:1-4:

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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Matthew 6:9-14, during the Sermon on the Mount:

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Luke 11:2, speaking privately to his disciples:

And he said to them, “When you pray, say:  “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Many manuscripts do include the full version of the prayer in Luke, but the most authoritative manuscripts support the shorter version above. Additionally, the added phrase to Matthew’s prayer “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” is not thought to be original, but is thought to have been “probably composed for the liturgy of the early church and most likely was based on 1 Chronicles 29:11-131 Chronicles 29:11-13 (ESV)
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. ; a scribe probably added the phrase at this point in the text for use in public scripture reading” (Net Bible text critical note). Regardless, it is clear that Jesus taught this form and method of prayer both publically to the crowds and privately to his disciples when asked.

Following the fuller format of Matthew’s writing, the below is offered as a model of prayer for the United States (my nation). Of course, the Lord’s Prayer can and should be offered for all nations and peoples.

Our Father, who reigns sovereignly from heaven, who is holy above all, make your name holy in this nation. Cause the people of this nation to recognize your holiness and understand your righteousness. Cause the elected leaders in every local government to honor the holiness that belongs only to you. Draw those in national government – in the house of representatives, in the senate, in the judiciary, and in the white house to recognize, honor, and proclaim the holiness and rightness of God. Draw all of us to desire your righteousness in our lives, so that we may turn to you and seek the forgiveness you offer in Christ. Send your laborers to those who need to hear your Gospel.

And in this, Father, let your kingdom come in this nation. Cause all authorities in this country to invite your rule into their lives and proclaim your righteousness in their work. Soften their hearts so that they may turn to you. Let our nation’s rulers at every level proclaim your kingdom and your ways, just as if we were a heavenly kingdom.  Let our executive, legislative and judicial branches rule according to your laws and your ways, supporting life and Godly justice while also demonstrating Divine mercy.

Father, we further ask that you provide for this nation. We ask that food and medicine would be available to all who need it in this country so that we may live in health, knowing your providence and provision. Let the church assume her rightful role in this endeavor. Let us daily be dependent upon you, from the president himself to the lowliest worker, as our sole provider. Lord, give us this day, and each day, our daily bread – the physical bread for our bodies, and the spiritual bread needed for growing in your truth.

Let this be a forgiving nation. Internally, bind us up together in your Word and your truth. Let us go to your Word when we disagree, and let your truth in all matters shine forth. Make us to esteem others as better than ourselves, so that we seek not our own glory. When wrongs are done, let us be forgiving, always remembering the much greater forgiveness you have offered to us. Let this mindset be in both the people and the leaders. Let this be a forgiving nation, always demonstrating your mercy.

Lord, we also ask that you lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Tear down everything in this country that is an affront to your righteousness. Cause every vice and abomination to fall. Let us be a people who shun evil, not for a desire to find righteousness in your law, but for the desire to love you and honor your Word. Where laws tempt us to sin, spark in us a desire to change those laws. Where the enemy would seek to dissuade us from your truth, open our eyes to see the deception and cause us to cling to you in safety. Let not evil find a foothold in the people or the authorities of this nation. Cause us to recognize the ultimate horror of sin so that we may never entertain the devil’s lies. Deliver us from his snares and seat us in your truth

All this we pray in the mighty name of your Son, Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.