Prayer For Our Nation

 In 1794 the British pastor and author of the well-known hymn, "Amazing Grace," John Newton, called a special prayer time for their nation, which he saw as losing its way. This was on the heels of the Wesleyan and Whitefield revivals (Wesley died just three years before Newton called this meeting) and it was in the midst of Wilberforce's battle against slavery and in the midst of ministry of the well-known pastor, Charles Simeon. As part of that occasion Newton (a former slave owner prior to his conversion) not only preached a powerful sermon, "The Imminent Danger And Only Sure Resource Of Our Nation," but he also penned this poetic prayer, titled "Prayer For Our Nation." I offer this fitting prayer to you as a prayer guide for our nation in 2016, the United States Of America.

Lord, while Thy judgments shake the land,

Thy people’s eyes are fixed on thee;

We own Thy just uplifted hand,

Which thousands cannot, will not, see.

How long hast Thou bestowed Thy care

On this indulged, ungrateful spot!

While other nations, far and near,

Have envied and admired our lot.

Here peace and liberty have dwelt,

The glorious Gospel brightly shone;

And oft our enemies have felt

That God has made our cause His own.

But ah!  Both heaven and earth have heard

Our vile requital of His love;

We, whom like children He has reared,

Rebels against His goodness prove.

His grace despised, His power defied,

And legions of the blackest crimes,

Profaneness, riot, lust, and pride,

Are signs that mark the present times.

The Lord, displease, has raised His rod;

Ah! Where are now the faithful few

Who tremble for the Ark of God,

And know what Israel ought to do?

Lord, hear Thy people everywhere,

Who meet to mourn, confess, and pray;

The nation and Thy churches spare,

And let Thy wrath be turned away.