American General Robert E. Lee once said, “Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon and the supreme call for all Christians today, I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. Let us pray for our nation. Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ and redeeming love, for moral forces everywhere, for our national leaders…Let prayer be our passion. Let prayer be our practice.” These words, spoken after the Civil War, still apply today. Prayers are needed for those who don’t know Jesus – and for the nation and its leaders.

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16

In the scriptures surrounding today’s verse, Paul calls for believers to pray just as Robert E. Lee did. He models intercessory prayer. He prays continually without ceasing. He prays with thanksgiving. And he prays mindfully, remembering specific requests and needs.

Just as it was needed during Paul’s time and during Lee’s time, prayer is desperately needed today – in this time. Pause each day to follow their example and petition God on behalf of the nation, its leaders and all believers in the United States.

Recommended Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-11