Category Archives: Prayers

A Prayer For America – National Day of Prayer 2013

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On this National Day of Prayer, please join American Psalms in praying for the nation. The prayer below is also included in our FREE Prayer Guide, which is perfect to print for use with your small group, NDOP gathering, Prayer Ministry or personal devotions.

We also have a wonderful offer on the Kindle and Nook editions of our devotional book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot. Bulk discounts are also available for the print edition. Click Here for more information.
To learn more about the National Day of Prayer and read quotes by American Presidents, Click Here.

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The Praying Eagle

The Praying Eagle

A PRAYER FOR AMERICA
by Joshua J Masters

Father God,
You are great and worthy of praise.1 You have
promised to heal our land if we humble ourselves
before you,2 and today we do so in a special day of
prayer. You have blessed this nation and bestowed
freedom upon America. But we recognize that true
freedom, eternal freedom, cannot be granted by any
government, but by the Lamb of God alone:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand
firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened
again by a yoke of slavery.3

I thank you for the liberty and freedom you have
bestowed on the United States. I lift up my president
and his staff to you. May the Holy Spirit give them
the gifts of both leadership and servitude.4
I pray for them to be encouraged and strengthened through a
relationship with you. I also ask your blessing on
American troops serving away from their loved ones,
and for your comforting hand to be on the families
awaiting their safe return.

Give us the strength to stand with our allies, but the
will to stand alone with You when necessary.
Through seeking your will, may our sovereignty be a
light to other nations and a hope to those in need.
Above all, teach us to be a nation dedicated to your
Word. Teach us to pray for our leaders5
and seek your face. Teach us to pray for repentance as our
forefathers did, and may we never be a Christian
nation by mere proclamation, but through our
actions, mercy and compassion.
AMEN.

(1) Psalm 145:3 2  (2) Chronicles 7:14 (3) Galatians 5:1
(4) Romans 12:5-8 (5) 1 Timothy 2:1-2

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2013.

Eagle photo by Andy_Emcee. Photograph licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution license.

National Day of Prayer – Special Offers

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American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot
Save 77% on the Kindle and Nook Editions until the National Day of Prayer

“American Psalms challenges Christian patriots to put aside personal agendas… and pray for our leaders as God commands.”
-Gov. Mike Huckabee, author of A Simple Government 

american_psalms_front_coverSPECIAL OFFER NOW THROUGH MAY 2: The softcover, Kindle and NOOK editions of American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot are regularly available, but  for a limited time the e-book editions are available for only $2.99 each (77% off the cover price). This offer is available from April 25-May 2 in honor of the National Day of Prayer.  Simply follow these links to download the book for any Kindle or NOOK device/app. Praying for our country has never been more important. Please consider making a commitment to praying for America over the next year, and help us spread the word about this offer.nook

This prayer guide is perfect for your Prayer Ministry, National Day of Prayer gathering, Small Group or Personal devotions.

Steeped in American history with a strong biblical foundation, American Psalms takes the reader on a one-year journey of spiritual growth with weekly prayers for the nation, psalms for special days of prayers, relevant teachings to enhance your perspective and PDF worksheet downloads designed to promote prayer for America’s leaders. With prayers spanning subjects from our troops to the presidency, from NASA to the fishing industry, and from the economy to our children’s teachers, American Psalms covers nearly every aspect of American society with scripture-based prayer while teaching the reader how to regularly pray for our nation without political bias. This book will renew your heart for the nation that gives personal liberty and the God who gives eternal freedom.

Free Prayer Guide from American Psalms

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In addition to our devotional book offer below, American Psalms also offers a FREE PRAYER GUIDE for use by your church, prayer ministry or in your personal devotions. Click here to learn more.

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“…American Psalms, is tremendous! It is an uplifting, faith-filled treasury of inspiring prayers, solidly based in Scripture—‘an answer to prayer’ for our country at this critical time.”  [more]
-William J. Federer, nationally known speaker, best selling author of America‘s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations

“American Psalms is a concise prayer guide for those who are new to intercession as well as those who are seasoned prayer leaders. In addition to motivating readers to pray for all aspects of our nation, this resource provides strategic prayer points and handy worksheets. This is a useful tool for all prayer leaders.”
-Mary Bruce, National Day of Prayer Northeast National Area Leader

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2013.

An Easter Prayer for America

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Father God,
You are the God of Creation1 and the God of Firstfruits.2 May your name be glorified among the nations, for you are worthy of praise! 3
You have blessed this nation and bestowed freedom upon America.
But we recognize, on this Resurrection Day, that true freedom, eternal freedom, cannot be granted by any government, but by the Lamb of God alone:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.4

My hope was ensured when the savior was born;
My shackles were broken when the Lamb was slain,
My life restored when the grave could not hold him,
and my future secured when he promised to return.

May we, as American Christians, be reminded that our freedom, which we so often take for granted, is merely a reflection of our freedom in Christ. Overwhelm our hearts with gratitude, for you have risen from the dead5 so I might also be free from its grasp.
Amen.

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Make sure you also check out The Full Sacrifice of  Christ

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1. Genesis 1:1
2. 1 Corinthians 15:20
3. Psalm 145:3
4. Galatians 5:1 NIV84
5. Matthew 28:5-7

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credit: hislightrq

Praying for America in the New Year

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Flag on BarnThe new year is a great time to dedicate yourself to praying for our nation. As we move into 2013, pray for God to reveal in our own hearts any prejudices that keep us from praying for those in authority over us. Are you unable to pray for your boss, our senators or even the president because you disagree with them? If the Bible teaches us to pray for those in authority over us, then we’re called to overcome those feelings. Remember as we pray for others in the new year that we must often ask God to change us first.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what areas of the nation He wants you to be praying for this year. If you need help getting started, please read The First Prayer page from this blog. You may also consider using our weekly devotional book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot.

A Prayer for the New Year
by Joshua J Masters
Father of New Beginnings, your love and compassion is new every morning.1 I come before you, standing at the threshold of a new year, with a dedicated and contrite heaBefore I step into this new season, make clear to me anything I need to leave behind. Reveal my sin. Expose any unforgiving or negative thoughts in my heart so they might be left here—for you have said:

“Forget the former things;
Do not dwell in the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.”
(Isaiah 43:18-19)

Whatever trials I’ve been facing, I place them in your hands. Teach me, in this new year, to seek a closer relationship with you—for you have promised to draw near to those who seek you.2 During this year, I am dedicated to reading your Word, listening for your direction, praying and fasting. I also commit myself to praying for America and for those in authority over me.3

Only you know the end from the beginning,4 and I trust in your sovereignty. You know exactly what our nation will face this year, and I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what I should be praying for.

Give me a heart for the president and his family, even when I disagree with him. Erase any prejudice of partisanship from within me so I might pray for your will over my own. Teach me how to serve my community and country by serving the Kingdom, and allow me to encourage other Christians to pray for our nation. I ask for your blessing on America this year. May you be given glory for our prosperity, and may we seek you in times of trouble.
AMEN.

1  Lam. 3:22-23
2 2 Timothy 2:1-3
3 James 4:8
4 Isaiah 46:10

For additional resources in praying for America, consider following this blog for our frequent Prayer Points and visit our Prayers for America page.

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Flag on Barn Photo Credit: Robert Linder

Immanuel, “God With Us”

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nativity2We all know the story of Christmas, but do we grasp its true meaning? We often forget that Christ’s sacrifice did not start at the cross, but when he left his Throne of Glory to enter our world as baby of hope–Immanuel. He saw that his children were lost, scared and alone. He saw the claws of a dragon sinking into the souls of his most beloved creation, and he gave up everything to bring them home and destroy the one who sought to bring us harm. In an 1854 Christmas Eve service Charles Spurgeon said:

“‘Immanuel.’ It is wisdom’s mystery, ‘God with us.’ Sages look at it and wonder. Angels desire to see it… ‘God with us.’ It is Hell’s terror! Satan trembles at the sound of it. His legions fly apace, the black-winged dragon of the Pit quails before it! Let Satan come to you suddenly and do you but whisper that word, ‘God with us’—back he falls—confounded and confused! Satan trembles when he hears that name, ‘God with us.’”

Christmas Eve with the troops in Afghanistan.

Christmas Eve with the troops in Afghanistan.

As we open our gifts and gather with family today, please remember to pray for the troops who are serving far away from their families so we can safely spend Christmas with ours. Pray for the leaders of our nation, and for God to reveal truth within our own hearts. May the God of true freedom bless this nation and the people of Israel; may Immanuel truly be with us in our nation and in our hearts. Please join American Psalms in this Christmas Prayer for America.

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Nativity Photo by Joshua J Masters
ISAF Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist Petty Officer 1st Class Monica R. Nelson

A Christmas Prayer for America

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Christmas Eve with the troops in Afghanistan.

Christmas Eve with the troops in Afghanistan.

Immanuel,1 you are our Wonderful Councilor and Prince of Peace.2 Today we celebrate the birth of true freedom, which is in Christ. If you had not stepped into our world as a child, we would never have known the freedom and liberty of salvation—the ideals of our founding fathers never would have been formed. We thank you for our nation, but recognize that you didn’t come into the world for America, but for all mankind; you came that we might see a day without war and without borders. You came, born in a manger, so we might be reunited with an Everlasting Father who stepped out of eternity3 to save his children:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11, NIV)

Mighty God, thank you for sending your son to redeem us. You have seen the pain of this world and sent us an advocate and comforter.4  I pray for the leaders of our nation. In this Christmas season, may their households be blessed for their service, and may they be reminded of your grace in establishing their posts.5 May they seek your favor in the coming year and be granted the gift of wisdom. Above all, I lift up the men and women of our armed forces who cannot be with their families this Christmas. Protect our soldiers and comfort their loved ones. Remind us of their sacrifice as we worship your plan of salvation, singing with the heavenly hosts: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14, KJV)
AMEN.

(1) Matthew 1:23 (2) Isaiah 9:6 (3) John 1:1-5, 14 (4) John 14:16 (5) Romans 13:1

Please also see our Christmas Day post: Immanuel, God With Us.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:  ISAF Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist Petty Officer 1st Class Monica R. Nelson

A Prayer for our Veterans

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Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Prince of Peace,1 you see those who are burdened by the emotional and physical scars of war. We are grateful for the soldiers who’ve sacrificed their lives defending freedom, but let us not forget the men and women who live among us as veterans. You have commanded us to honor those who came before us:

Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. (Deuteronomy 32:7)

Yet there are many veterans whose stories have not been told. There are soldiers of sacrifice who suffer in silence with bodies no longer responding to their command. There are veterans plagued by the chaos of trauma and nightmares, but you have formed their hearts and seen them.2 Deliver these men and women from their trials, for you are not a God of disorder, but of peace.3 Send the Holy Spirit to comfort and draw them toward you. For you have promised to carry our burdens:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

May the households of our veterans be blessed today, and may our nation recognize the importance and severity of their sacrifice. May their lives be honored and their history remembered.  I am grateful for the soldiers who serve away from their families so I might live in liberty with mine. Bless them with prosperity and peace.
AMEN.

(1) Isaiah 9:6, (2) Psalm 33:13-15, (3) 1 Cor. 14:33

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Arlington Panoramic: Jared, Wikimedia Public Domain Photo
Honoring Fallen Heroes:  U.S. Army Flickr Stream
Tomb of the Unknown: Tony Fischer

A Prayer for Patriot Day (September 11)

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Father God,
You are our strength in times of trouble.1 Today we are reminded of a wound in our nation’s history. We are grateful for the soldiers, fire fighters and police officers who voluntarily placed themselves in harm’s way to protect us—so many of our brave first responders were lost. This day is also filled with the remembrance of innocent victims who’ve lost their lives.

We know you are a God who sees our pain and comes close to the brokenhearted.2  Unlike many of our nation’s solemn days, we still remember the twisted metal and smoke rising into the horizon over New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. For many, it is still a day of loss and suffering.

We remember the fear and uncertainty we felt that September morning. But like the Americans at Fort McHenry in 1814, we also remember the hope you gave us as the smoke began to clear and we saw our star-spangled banner, still waving, unfurled over the battlefield our enemies meant to be our place of defeat. Lord, encourage and strengthen us on this day.

I confess there are some of us who are still angry—some still live in fear. Send the Holy Spirit to comfort us, and give us the strength to comfort one another.3 Remind us that we have victory in Christ, and that we can find rest in you:

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
(Proverbs 3:24-26)

I pray a blessing of peace on the families who mourn the loss of their loved ones—whether a flight passenger, office worker,  fire fighter, police officer or member of the military, each one of the people lost that morning had friends and families who suffer in silence today. May the Comforter4 be sent to their side, and may our communities rise up to meet their needs. Protect our hearts and strengthen our resolve.
AMEN.

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1 Psalm 46:1
2 Psalm 34:18
3 2 Cor.  1:3-4
4 John 14:16

This prayer is an excerpt from our book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot for Patriot Day. The Kindle edition of the book is available for free on September 11, 2012. Learn more by visiting this post.

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits Respectively:
Flickr Feeds by  timwilson, slagheap, and iluvcocacola

A Prayer for our Freedom

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“[Independence Day] ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty”
-John Adams 

Praying for America

Praying for America.

Father God,
You have granted freedom to our land and you are worthy of praise.1 You placed in the hearts of our forefathers a desire to seek Your will through independence and freedom.

I pray for our continued independence and sovereignty as we look toward You. For the gifts our Declaration of Independence speak of, “life. liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” are granted by you alone.

May we be secure in our freedom,
but never take it for granted.
May we be free from slavery,
but be a servant to Your will.
May we be protected from oppression
as we extend the provision of liberty to others,
And may we speak with honor as we honor your Word.

May we, as Christian Patriots, heed the words of Paul, who wrote:
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Bless those who serve our nation and have protected her shores.
Bring protection, honor and blessings to their households.

May we be a people whose freedom is a beacon to the world of Your grace,
and may we be forever reminded of Your hand in our deliverance.
AMEN.

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1 Psalm 145:3

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Original Prayer Photo by: khrawlings
Original Flag Photo and editing by: Joshua J Masters 

A Prayer in Honor of Fallen Heroes

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Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Comforter and Councilor,1
We turn to you in our time of grief; our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.2 Since the Civil War, we have set aside a day for remembrance, and our hearts are broken for the men and women who have been lost while serving our country.

Fallen HeroesNeither national liberty nor eternal freedom comes without a price. You paid for our eternal salvation with your own son,3 and you feel the suffering4 of parents who’ve lost their children defending America’s freedom. You have heard the cries of spouses, children, siblings and friends. You have collected their tears5 and will be their comfort:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I am grateful for those who have died defending my freedom. Do not allow me to become complacent toward their sacrifice, but exercise my freedom to benefit my country and your Kingdom. Remind me daily that my freedom in both life and eternity came at a price someone else paid.

For hundreds of years, men and women have sacrificed themselves for my right to pursue happiness. They have shown the true meaning of love, for:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:13)

I am grateful to those individuals, and my heart turns toward the family members who are left behind. This day is a reminder of their sacrifice and I pray the Holy Spirit would comfort them.
AMEN.

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1 John 14:26
2 Psalm 121:3
3 1 Corinthians 6:20
4 Hebrews 4:15
5 Psalm 56:8

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Arlington Panoramic: Jared, Wikimedia Public Domain Photo
Both Honoring Fallen Heroes:  U.S. Army Flickr Stream