On January 20, 1961, in his inaugural address, our 35th president, John F. Kennedy, delivered this unforgettable charge: "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
The president's speech reminds us that we are to live as contributors to society, not just consumers. As Believers, one of the greatest things we can do for our country is to pray.
Paul wrote to his spiritual son, Timothy:
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV)
As we approach our 250th anniversary of the democratic experiment, let me encourage you to pray for our nation and leaders.
The Power and Significance of Praying Historical Prayers
Last Sunday, I delivered a message about eight simple ways to pray for our nation. Here is the link to that message if you'd like to watch the whole thing. But one point I hit, which might be of special interest to our prophetic community, is praying historical prayers. (Photo via Piqsels)
Historical prayers reflect the original intent of our founding fathers. There is something powerful about agreeing across centuries and generations. It's like a generational inheritance or blessing that can be reinvested by us for future generations.
Praying historical prayers also reflects a concept relating metaphorically to Psalm 24:7: "Swing wide the gates,
open up the ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in." The intention of our founding fathers is a sort of "ancient door" that we can open through the act of agreement. Praying historical prayers is generational permission for the King of Glory to rule and reign in America.
So, for this 250th anniversary of our independence, I'm encouraging Believers to pray a historical prayer for America. If the United States of America is not your home country, I ask you to pray for us as well. Join our prophetic company in this prayer of agreement with our founding fathers.
On September 7, 1774, at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, the first prayer of the Continental Congress was this extemporaneous prayer by the Anglican Rector Jacob Duché. It is noted in history as an incredibly emotional, unifying moment that bridged religious and political divides to seek divine blessing amid escalating tensions.
I've adapted the language and edited some content to retain the integrity of core historical points, while speaking to a modern audience. Pray this out loud and practice agreeing from your heart.
A Modernized Adaptation of the First Continental Congress Prayer
"O Lord, our heavenly Father, high and mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords, You look from Your throne over all the earth and reign with supreme authority over every nation and every government.
"Look with mercy upon these United States. We have come to You for refuge and have placed ourselves under Your gracious care. We desire to depend on You alone. To You we appeal for what is right, and to You we look for the favor and strength that only You can give. (Photo via Pixabay)
"Heavenly Father, take us under Your loving care. Give our leaders wisdom in their decisions and courage in the responsibilities You have entrusted to them.
"Frustrate the plans of those who pursue evil. Convict them of what is right. And where there is conflict, let Your justice and truth move hearts toward peace and cause violence to cease.
"Be present with those who govern our nation. Direct their decisions and establish this nation on the firm foundation of truth and righteousness. May conflict come to an end, and may order, harmony, and peace be restored. Let truth, justice, faith, and godliness flourish among our people.
"Preserve the health of our bodies and the strength of our minds. Pour out the blessings You know are best for us in this life and prepare us for the everlasting glory of the life to come.
"We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior. Amen."
We thank God together with you for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation and for the part we all get to play in shaping the future of this great nation.
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Dan McCollam
The Prophetic Company Global
Email:Â prophetictrainer@gmail.com
Website:Â www.propheticcompany.com
Dan McCollam travels internationally as a prophetic speaker and trainer. One of his great passions is to create prophetic cultures where everyone can prophesy, activate their spiritual gifts, mobilize their prophetic words, and discover their unique purpose in life. Dan is co-founder of the Bethel School of the Prophets in Redding, California and The Prophetic Company Global group of activation-based trainers. He has authored over twenty-five books, manuals, and resources on supernatural life, prophetic gifts, and worship.
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