Hosea 10:12
“Break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.”
President Donald Trump recently launched the “America Prays” initiative as part of the preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, set for July 4, 2026. This initiative emphasizes the importance of faith in America’s identity and future and encourages Americans to dedicate one hour each week to pray for the nation and its citizens.
In several books I’ve been reading lately on the subject of repentance, a consistent theme emerges: if we expect to offer effective prayers on behalf of our nation, there needs to be a genuine transformation in the state of our hearts first. Our scripture verse today refers to “breaking up your unplowed ground,” the hard ground around our hearts. We can no longer expect God’s blessing just by virtue of the fact that we would describe ourselves as “good” and that our nation is mostly “good.” “If My people, who are called by My name…will turn from their wicked ways…I will restore their land.” We need repentance—His people, meaning all of us—if our nation is to be restored to what the Founding Fathers envisioned. I invite all of you, dear readers, to join with me in dedicating one hour each week for the purpose of praying for our nation.
Dear Lord, God, we praise You for Your sovereign hand on our nation, and thank You that we have the privilege of living in this great land. As we set aside time each week to lift America in prayer, please prick our hearts to reveal anything that stands between You and us that would prevent our hearing from You. We trust with eager anticipation for what You have in store for us and for America. O, God, shower Your righteousness on us! In the name of Jesus, the One who forgives and lavishly bestows grace. Amen.
~ painting by John Sloane
I am honored that you have taken the time to read my devotion today and pray that it encourages you and glorifies God. To receive Devotions For All Reasons in your mailbox every day, go to the homepage and simply click on “Subscribe.”
Thank you for blessing me,
Marsha
