2023 National Day of Prayer Pamphlet

2023 NATIONAL PRAYER WALK FOR AMERICA “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

(James 5:16)

OPENING REMARKS/PROCLAMATION: Heavenly Father, In the authority of Jesus Name, we come before the throne of God to make this proclamation for the United States of America. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever. He created the heavens and the earth; the seas and the sky land; the sun, moon and stars and changes in time and the seasons. He removes and replaces Kings and Presidents alike. He brings the counsel of nations to nothing and the plans of the ungodly to no effect. Let America stand in fear and awe of the living God. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Let the righteousness of the living God return to America. Righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any people. Let light conquer darkness and faith conquer fear. May we once again be a nation whose motto is “In God We Trust.” In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Song by FPC Children’s Center “Our God is an Awesome God,” by Rich Mullins Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power, and love, Our God is an awesome God

LORD, WE EXALT YOU - TOGETHER IN UNISON Our nation was founded on religious freedom and one of our greatest and most profound presidents, Abraham Lincoln, prayed this prayer during his Proclamation 97 speech and it rings true today.

Please pray it with me: Heavenly Father, “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have fallen away from you, Father. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied, enriched, and strengthened us. We have vainly imagined, in deceitfulness of our hearts that these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.

Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too selfsufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God who made us. We humble ourselves before you the offended power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. We rest humbly in the hope that the cry of the nation will be heard on high and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national and personal sins and the restoration of our now divided and suffering country to its former peace and unity.” Amen.

Lord, We Exalt You. We are filled with awe and wonder as our praise joins the heavenly hosts saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” You have established your throne in heaven and the foundations of the earth. You alone are the Creator; the earth is yours and all it contains is for your glory. You created and established all of us as your image bearers. May our lips and lives continually praise you, reflecting and magnifying you in all our words and our ways. You are the author of our days; you have established your plans and purpose for us. We respond to your glory and authority in obedience to your Word and will. You have established prayer that we, your children, can communicate with our Heavenly Father directing, strengthening, and disciplining us in your everlasting love.

We join heaven’s activities as we lift up our prayers and pour out our

praise, repentance, thanks, intercession and supplication. Lord, you have established America through the hearts of our founding fathers and the documents they penned declaring our dependence on your sovereignty and supremacy. We overflow with gratitude having been firmly rooted and built up in our faith in you. Let our reputation be of our faith in Christ alone, our love for all people, and fruitful lives bearing the attitude, affections, and actions of your Spirit, who dwells and works within us and through us. We pray for America: the Church, Family, Education, Military, Workplace, Government, Arts, Entertainment and Media. United in Your love, we exalt the Lord who has established us. Amen.

Remarks by Eva Eckburg The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.

Why pray for America? God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “One nation under God,” and whose currency states that it is “In God we trust,” we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country. “He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness and treads the high places of the earth-the Lord God Almighty is His name.” (Amos 4:13) As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!

PRAYER LEADER 1: PRAYING FOR OUR GOVERNMENT Scripture calls believers to pray for those in authority, regardless of political party or allegiance. The sphere of government needs our prayers. The Federal government influences our relationship with other nations for international commerce and military aide to allies while state and local governments influence the operation of businesses and schools as well as the roads to get to them.

“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1Timothy 2:1-2) “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except by God, and those that exist are put in place by God.” Romans 13:1 Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. (1 Kings 3:28; 1 Timothy 2:12; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2).

Federal: President, VP, Cabinet, Congressional Leaders, and Supreme Court Justices State: Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, and Judicial Leaders Local: Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, and County Officials With thanksgiving for your Sovereign rule, we pray for leaders of our country. With holy hands lifted up we pray for your mercy. Father, please have mercy on our national, state, and local governments. Lord, please give wisdom to our leaders as you give them hearts to serve for the realities of your kingdom. Empower our leaders to administer true justice, to dignify the poor, protect life, rule with equity, administer in peace, and provide the security they are called to keep.

Lord, please help our leaders to know right from wrong, good from evil, your design for life, and truth from lies. Please give them faith to lead with boldness and conviction to lead with clarity.

We thank you for your sovereign rule and together we pray for mercy.

Your kingdom come, your will be done in our country as it is in Heaven. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

**We look to you from whom our help comes. Lord, provide leaders with wise and godly counselors who will provide honest wisdom and encouragement. Well up humility in the hearts of leaders to make apologies or adjustments when these things are necessary.

Pour out a spirit of cooperation between elected leaders and break down the barriers that are built up by selfish ambition for personal power. Safeguard marriages and families of elected leaders who spend large portions of time away from home. Give leaders clarity to know what issues are most important to dedicate their time toward. Soften their hearts to hear and understand the needs of the communities they serve. Bring a spirit of harmony and righteousness among the staff members who work to support each elected leader. Protect leaders from falling into temptations of bribes, unfaithfulness or straying from what they know is right. Lord, protect them from the plots of evil to stand for what YOU have established Heavenly Father, AMEN In this powerful spirit of unity, we begin this walk to Travis Park and to our city’s Main Plaza. Please walk in twos, and continue to pray as you are led. Please feel free to ride the shuttle at any time you would like. There are waters and snacks available to all, free of charge, in the vans and at Travis Park. Let’s begin.

TRAVIS PARK SCRIPTURES & PRAYERS PRAYER LEADER 2: PRAYER FOR THE MILITARY “He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them…and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with them. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8) Pray for perseverance to endure hardship (Isiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:1) Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1) Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10) Soldier’s Prayer (Psalms 91) Others: (Joshua 1:7-9, Psalms 139:5-12, Psalms 3:1-6, Psalms 23, Psalms 56:3-4) Lord, thank you for the men and women who have stepped up to serve and protect our country. May they know the blessings of serving well. Provide our strategic and tactical military leaders with righteous fortitude and character, giving them the strength and wisdom to make sound decisions affecting our nation and our Armed Forces. May their motto “Service before Self ” be representative of how they conduct their lives and that their troops exercise integrity, honesty and valor as they serve God and country around the world.

Draw them to you so that they may delight in your Word and desire to follow you with their whole heart. Help them to reflect your righteousness and love when they serve. Thank you for your promise to never leave or forsake your people. We pray for your protective hand over our armed forces serving our country at home or abroad, whether in drills or in deployment. Keep from harm all those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Help them be strong and courageous and do not let them be discouraged. Help them to feel your presence and keep them morally straight and free from untoward influence. Keep them free from sickness as well as injury. Guide them, be their eyes and ears as they move in harm’s way to carry out their orders and missions. Place your hand of protection and peace on the families at home in their absence. Help them to trust you when they are tempted to give into fear. Comfort them in their loneliness and anchor them in your unchanging love. Help their children to know your comfort and develop endurance as they learn to trust in you. Amen

PRAYER LEADER 3: PRAYER FOR THE MEDIA “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-If anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) Pray that the decision makers within the media realize they can make a profit by producing uplifting projects. (Proverbs 8:10-11) Pray that Christians in the media find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public. (Proverbs 2:1-15) Others (Proverbs 12:9-22, Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 12:36-37) Father God, thank you that we have come to know you as one who speaks in a multitude of creative ways in a world which so often fails to hear you, and because of that, so often believes the lies which surround us. We pray for those in the media who are your followers; that you would enable them to offer truth to overcome the lies, light to shine in dark places, refreshment to those who are thirsty and food to those who are hungry. Lord, thank you for all those in a position to help ‘point our lives in the right direction’ and for your Holy Spirit who strengthens us in this endeavor. Thank you for all those working in our local and national media. We ask you to guide them to bring truth, knowledge, wisdom and insight into our personal lives and national life. Guard them against any who would wish to use them for ill and empower them by your Spirit to stand up for what is good. Father, forgive us as we acknowledge there is a battle for our hearts, minds and souls. While it is easy to make the entertainment and media world the scapegoat for the destruction of godly values, morality, and decency in our nation, the truth is we have blindly allowed video games, television, and other media to become the nanny for our children. We too often watch movies we know have content we should not watch. Our choices don’t always reflect our love for you and your principles. Lord, help us to take a stand for what is right and repent of our sins. Amen

PRAYER LEADER 4: PRAYER FOR BUSINESS “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working… (Exodus 31:3-4) Pray for the impartation of ideas and resources to open principled businesses, especially in the areas that need an economic boost.

(Psalm132:15) Workers need to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers (Philippians 2:3) Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. We thank you that you own it all and hold everything in your hands. We thank you that you know our needs before we even ask. We praise you as Lord of all and maker of all things. Thank you for people in business who are your representatives in the marketplace, may they be salt and light as they witness to your great power and love. May our business leaders, owners and workplaces be blessed and follow the direction of the path you set before them. May they listen to your will, showing godly leadership to all those who they come in contact. May you bless them with prosperity in all things in life, work, family and their relationship with you. Heavenly Father, we expect business leaders to honor your word and live by your precepts. We declare that they are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct business fairly. We claim the radical redistribution of wealth in our communities. Forgive us for doubting you, for worrying, and for trying to work everything out on our own. We choose to believe and recognize that you are able to accomplish far more than we even thought possible. We decree that our merchants will confidently trust you to care for them so they may freely give to those in need. Lord, pour your blessing upon our community in a mighty way so we may harvest much for the kingdom. Amen

PRAYER LEADER 5: PRAYER FOR OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2: 3-6) Pray for a safe atmosphere conducive to learning and for excellence in educators; for equal opportunities for every student to achieve full potential. (Philippians 1:9, Exodus 18:20-21, Romans 13:4, Matthew 10:24, 2 Timothy 4:3:16, 1Timothy 4:11, Titus 2:7, 2 Timothy 2:15) Lord, we open wide the doors of our schools and invite you in as we pray for our nation’s school boards, teachers, administrators, and students. The influence of post- modern thought has introduced concepts such as pluralism, “tolerance,” and the rejection of absolute truth. We ask you Lord to raise up a new generation of dedicated educators committed to honest, accurate presentation of all subject matter and serve as positive role models for their students. We know that teaching can be a thankless task. Give our educators commitment and a sense of purpose in their work that isn’t thwarted by political agendas. Help us be aware of the needs of those who have the responsibility for educating others. May we as a community be supportive and caring, offering a listening ear and practical concern whenever and wherever we can. Father, be in our children’s lessons and help them to concentrate and learn in an environment that produces creativity and self-expression. May our children be free of fear in an environment that is secure and where no parent has to worry about the child they sent off to school is forever lost to violence. Help our community and schools create an environment where students can learn and flourish. In thy name we pray. Amen

PRAYER LEADER 6: PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH “So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live with Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8) “I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) Pray that the church will find new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 22:37) Pray that there will be unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world. (John: 17:23) Pray that God’s people have integrity; that they look and act differently from the world. (1 Peter 2: 11; 1 Corinthians 13:6) Merciful Father, We live in a world that is often vary dark, and in times that we know the end is drawing nearer, may we be found faithfully and prayerfully lifting one another’s burdens until Christ’s return. We know many fellow Christians are being persecuted, even killed, daily all around the world. Many are being intimidated by others around them, or are ridiculed and attacked for their beliefs. We know Satan is aware of the power of our prayers and he will do everything he can to render us ineffective and silence our voices. We are so incredibly in need of your power and strength. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us and help us to recognize and avoid Satan’s traps so we may do all we can to show the love and light of Christ our Savior. May we be bold in our witness as we give testimony to your presence in our lives.

Heavenly Father, as we deal with earthly and spiritual warfare, thank you for giving us Your armor. May the shield of faith go with us as we claim the helmet of our salvation, the breastplate of righteousness and the belt of truth. Help us boldly stand against evil as we witness with the sword of the spirit, Your Word. Our feet our now prepared to bring the Gospel of peace in times of trouble. Thank you Lord God. Amen.

PRAYER LEADER 7: PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

(Mark 3:25) Pray for Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others. (Romans 12:9-13) Establish healthy relationships between parents and children.

(Malachi 4:5-6) Father God, We come before you today to ask for protection over our families.

Let no trouble fall on them. Keep them away from accidents. Allow no evil to influence their hearts. Cover them with the precious blood of Jesus. Take charge over them so that they do not strike their foot against the stone. We may not be with our families all the time today, but we trust that You, Lord, are always with them to give glory to you further. Give them peace of mind so that they may not worry about anything. Guard their hearts so that they may only display love instead of hate, anger or bitterness. May we always preserve the bond that we have as a family, and may we look forward to seeing each other once again at home. Enable our families to be as triplebraided cord that can not be broken. Guard our home as a sanctuary of blessing, comfort, and love for each one of us. Let it always be a restful place for our tired bodies at the end of the day and may you continue to protect us as we go to sleep. Amen

PLEASE JOIN TOGETHER IN PRAYING THE LORD’S PRAYER - IN UNISON Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen Now we will proceed to Main Plaza together. Please walk with a prayer partner and continue to intercede for our nation. The shuttle vans are available for all who need to ride.

Now, May the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Amen