In the book of the prophet Daniel, chapter nine, we find the prophet’s prayer for his people. This prayer was the result of a prophetic word that had already been fulfilled, for the seventy years of desolation spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah had come to an end.
What is truly remarkable is that this prayer became the beginning of the great revival that led to Israel’s return to their land, the rebuilding of their walls, and the joy of restoration:
“And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.”
Nehemiah 12:43 (ESV)
The restoration of a nation always begins with the power of prayer and intercession.
It is no secret that the world is being shaken by changes in government that produce tensions, economic instability, shifts in leadership, and ongoing news of war and violence. I believe that, just as in the days of the prophet Daniel, this is the moment when the church must understand that her role in the healing of the nations begins with prayer.
Some years ago, the Lord awakened my wife, Emma Claudia, to lead a global movement of intercession, where leaders from different nations join together in continual prayer. As a church, we have felt that this intercession has been our shield and our greatest strength in times of testing.
If you would like to join this intercessory challenge, I want to give you a few tips for developing a more effective prayer life:
- Pray for the Nations with Thanksgiving“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”Psalm 100:4 (ESV)
Prayer should always begin with gratitude. Complaints and resentment never open spiritual gates. Every nation is unique and precious. Those who watch and intercede over their country must bless it, thank God for its land, its resources, and the privilege of having received the gospel there.
- Make Sure You Forgive and Keep Your Heart Clean“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”Matthew 6:14 (ESV)
We are living in a time of intense cultural warfare, where the enemy seeks to sow confusion and, above all, hatred, to hinder the prayers of believers. An intercessor can never be driven by resentment or anger—those attitudes contradict their calling.If you want your prayer for your nation to be heard, release forgiveness toward your leaders. Even if they do not walk in righteousness, the Lord Himself will deal with them. Scripture teaches us to pray that blessing, sound judgment, and peace would be released over our leaders and our land.
- Use a Clear Prayer Guide
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
Prayer must be intentional and specific. What gives power to our intercession is not our eloquence, but the confession of the Word of God.
The most powerful prayers are those rooted in Scripture.
If you would like to pray the same prayer that the prophet Daniel prayed, I invite you to download the following simple prayer guide, so that you may intercede for your nation and experience a breakthrough in the spiritual atmosphere, allowing the church to rise to a place of conquest.