Each year, the National Day of Prayer Task Force provides a theme to unify and guide prayers for the National Day of Prayer. The theme for 2024 is “Lift Up The Word – Light Up The World,” a call to stand on the truth of Scripture. The theme verse is 2 Samuel 22:29-31, which reads, “For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
As we pray in the power and promises of Scripture and bring light to a nation in need of the Light of the World, feel free to use these eight prayers with supporting Scriptures as a guide to lift up our nation on the National Day of Prayer:
1. “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
Radiant Lord, may we walk as children of light. Help us to confess our sins to You. May we examine ourselves so that sin won’t hinder our fellowship with You and others. We come in humility, grateful for Your faithfulness to forgive us. Heal our land. (1 John 1:5-10; 2 Chronicles 7:14)
2. “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people…” (2 Chronicles 1:10)
Certainly, the fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom. We pray our president, vice-president and cabinet will fear You. They have no real power of their own. Let them turn to You for wisdom; bless them with good counselors. Direct their steps. (Psalm 111:10; Zechariah 4:6; Proverbs 15:22, 16:9)
3. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
May Your people in Congress and all state legislatures spread and shed light! May these places be filled with men and women who are wise, understanding, and experienced leaders. Let them do what is right in Your sight. Save any still in darkness. (Matthew 5:16; Deuteronomy 1:13, 6:18; John 12:46)
4. “Appoint judges and officials … in all the towns … They must judge the people fairly.” (Deuteronomy 16:18)
Help our Justices, judges, and officials to judge rightly with no impartiality. Give us people who walk with You, who obey Your laws and seek You. Grant them understanding. Help them to look beneath the surface so they can judge correctly. (Leviticus 19:15; Psalm 119:1-4, 169; John 7:24)
5. “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1)
Please protect our nation, military, and police! Thank You for those who so honorably serve us. Incline Your ear to them and rescue them speedily. Be their rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save them. For Your name’s sake, lead and guide them. Keep them from traps. (Psalm 31:2-4)
6. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
So many in our nation are lost—unable to see the light of the knowledge of Your glory in the face of Christ. Send someone to open their eyes so that Your light may shine in their hearts. Rescue them from the kingdom of darkness. (2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:13)
7. “For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.” (Psalm 36:9)
May we who live in Your light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love. You are our Armor of Light! Show us how to use the gifts we’ve been given to serve others as faithful stewards of Your glorious grace. (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Romans 13:12; 1 Peter 4:10; Isaiah 58:10)
8. “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
Shine Your light onto the college and university campuses where students are rioting. Because You are not a God of disorder, but of peace, we ask You to end the student protests and keep them from becoming even more volatile. Grant wisdom to college and city officials and raise up peacemakers among the students to calm tempers and bring reason. (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:17-18)