One Week in Prayer 10-Day Devotional on Building a Consistent Habit of Daily Prayerনমুনা

Friday: Our Nation, Leaders, Community, and Missionaries

Praying for Our Nation and Leaders

Praying for one’s country is not always easy—especially when the headlines and realities seem discouraging. I know this firsthand, living in my country; a nation blessed with abundant natural and human resources, yet plagued by corruption and mismanagement. At one time, I found it hard to pray for those in authority. But the more I studied Scripture, the more I understood God’s call to intercede for our leaders, just as Nehemiah and Solomon did for Israel.

Nehemiah wept over Jerusalem’s ruins, confessed the sins of the nation—including his own family’s—and boldly asked God for favor to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 1). Solomon prayed for God to hear and forgive whenever His people repented, no matter the sin (1 Kings 8). These examples challenge me to pray unselfishly for my nation, trusting that God can heal and restore.

I thank God for preserving us from chaos, pray for righteous leadership, and ask Him to cleanse the land from bloodshed and injustice. I believe that righteousness can and does exalt a nation (Proverbs 14:34), and that our prayers can be part of that transformation.

Praying for Our Community

Nations are built from communities, and communities from families. Whether you live in a peaceful neighborhood or one facing crime, unemployment, or unrest, prayer is powerful. In the Bible, God repeatedly responded when His people cried out for their cities and tribes (see Judges 3, 4, 6, 10). Esther’s fasting and prayer saved her people from destruction.

Today, we can also intercede for our communities—for peace, justice, unity, and for leaders who serve with integrity. We can pray for transformation stories like those from Guatemala and Lagos, where focused, united prayer brought visible change. Let us be willing to stand in the gap for our neighborhoods.

Praying for Missionaries

Jesus said the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Missionaries—those sent to preach and live out the gospel in often challenging places—need our prayers. Many serve in the “10/40 window,” home to much of the world’s unreached population, where poverty is high and governments often oppose Christianity.

I subscribe to prayer updates from missions organizations like CAPRO and Joshua Project, which help me pray specifically for workers, resources, and open doors for the gospel. I pray for protection, perseverance, and fruitfulness. I ask God to raise more willing laborers, soften hearts, and transform nations so the gospel can thrive without fear.

Prayer for the Nation, Community, and Missionaries

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my nation. Thank You for preserving us and granting peace despite challenges. I ask for leaders who will serve in righteousness, for justice to prevail, and for healing of our land.
Bless my community—bring unity, safety, and prosperity. Let us be known as a people who honor You.
Strengthen missionaries around the world, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Provide their needs, protect their families, and make their work fruitful. Open doors for the gospel, and raise more laborers for the harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.