A prayer for the nation

Lord, you raise up nations and you bring them low (Daniel 2:21). I bring my country before you tonight, not as a partisan but as a child asking for mercy. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray... I will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14) — take me at my word, and yours. We have forgotten you in a thousand ways; remember us anyway. Grant wisdom to those in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Seek the welfare of the city where you have placed us (Jeremiah 29:7), and make us a people who do the same. Righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34); make us righteous before you make us great. Amen.