The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a National Day of Prayer Service are listed for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page. You can also view six different ways to pray which are in “All the Scriptures and the Best Scriptures to Use in Worship Services in 17 Different Ways,” and scripture on prayer in “Crying Out in Prayer in a Worship Service” in this reference work’s section on “Scriptures on Our Freedom in Worshipping the Lord.”
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship for a National Day of Prayer Service
1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 5 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, Psalm 105:1-5
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3:22-25
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 [Y]ou are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9*
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions
for a National Day of Prayer Service
6 “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, . . . , we will stand in your presence . . . and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ ” 2 Chronicles 20:6, 9*
2 [Y]ou are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Jonah 4:2c*
2 LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known . . . . Habakkuk 3:2*
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for a National Day of Prayer Service
4 “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4*
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
26 Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly . . . . Psalm 68:26*
4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
The Best Introductions to Singing for a National Day of Prayer Service
1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Psalm 105:1-3
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” 6 The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the LORD’s musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the LORD and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, “His love endures forever.” Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing. 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 6
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions
for a National Day of Prayer Service
33 “When your people . . . have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and give praise to your name, praying and making supplication to you . . . , 34 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people . . . .” 1 Kings 8:33-34*
46 “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin . . . ; 47 and if they have a change of heart . . . and repent and plead with you . . . and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; 48 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul . . . and pray to you . . . ; 49 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea . . . . 50 And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you . . . ; 51 for they are your people and your inheritance . . . .” 1 Kings 8:46-51*
24 “When your people . . . have sinned against you and when they turn back and give praise to your name, praying and making supplication before you . . . , 25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people . . . .” 2 Chronicles 6:24-25*
36 “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin . . . ; 37 and if they have a change of heart . . . and repent and plead with you . . . and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’; 38 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul . . . and pray . . . ; 39 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas . . . . And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.” 2 Chronicles 6:36-39*
14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One . . . and turned their backs on him. 5 Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. 6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. Isaiah 1:4-6*
2 “All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations— 3 a people who continually provoke me to my very face . . . ; 5 who say, ‘Keep away; don’t come near me . . . .’ Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day.” Isaiah 65:2-3, 5*
7 “If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.” Jeremiah 18:7-8
3 Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side 4 and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.” Ezekiel 9:3-4
4 “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 7 Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame . . . . 8 We . . . are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you. 10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us . . . . 14 [T]he LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. 15 [W]e have sinned, we have done wrong. 17 Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see . . . . We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!” Daniel 9:4-5, 7-8, 10, 14-15, 17a, 18-19abc*
6 “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” Hosea 13:6
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:4-10
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for a National Day of Prayer Service
23 “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent 24 and assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold . . . to the rocks in the ravines, 25 then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you. 26 Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God.” Job 22:23–26*
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10
2 “[Y]ou are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2c*
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior . . . .” 2 Samuel 22:2-3*
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
24 [B]ecause Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him . . . . Hebrews 7:24-25*
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace for a National Day of Prayer Service
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. 4 These are the LORD’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times:’ ” Leviticus 23:1-2, 4
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
1 “ ‘On the first day of the seventh month hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day for you to sound the trumpets.’ ” Numbers 29:1
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for a
National Day of Prayer Service
13 If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28:13b*
3 “[Y]ou will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave . . . .” 1 Chronicles 22:13a*
7 In the third year of his reign he [King Jehoshaphat] sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah. 8 With them were certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah—and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. 2 Chronicles 17:7-9
1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. 2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:1-3
2 “ ‘Hear the word of the LORD to you, king . . . you, your officials and your people . . . .’ ” Jeremiah 22:2*
6 “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6a*
47 “As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:47-49
28 He [Jesus] replied, “Blessed . . . are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28*
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
169 May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. 170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. Psalm 119:169-170
17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One . . . : “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:17-18*
3 “ ‘Hear the word of the LORD . . . . This is what the LORD Almighty . . . says: Listen!’ ” Jeremiah 19:3ab*
8 “[L]isten to what I say to you. [O]pen your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:8*
1 Hear the word of the LORD . . . because the LORD has a charge to bring against you . . . . Hosea 4:1*
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for a National Day of Prayer Service
26 David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. He called on the LORD, and the LORD answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering. 1 Chronicles 21:26
16 Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their ancestors. 2 Chronicles 11:16
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
26 Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD. Judges 20:26
4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 1 Kings 3:4-5
18 Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 19 So David went up in obedience to the word that Gad had spoken in the name of the LORD. 22 David said to him, “Let me have the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the LORD . . . . Sell it to me at the full price.” 23 Araunah said to David, “Take it! Let my lord the king do whatever pleases him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this.” 24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 25 So David paid Araunah six hundred shekels of gold for the site. 26 David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. He called on the LORD, and the LORD answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering. 1 Chronicles 21:18-19, 22-26*
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” 4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. 2 Chronicles 7:1-5a*
12 What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? 17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD . . . . Praise the LORD. Psalm 116:12, 17-19*
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” 4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” Acts 10:1-6
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions
for a National Day of Prayer Service
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are many of “The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions” that apply very well for a National Day of Prayer Worship Service so there are more than this listed below.
5 “ ‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ ” 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” Exodus 19:5-6a, 8a*
6 Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees . . . . 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when . . . your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God . . . . Deuteronomy 8:6, 11-14*
11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees . . . . 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when . . . your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God . . . . 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant . . . . Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 17-18*
14 “If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God—good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.” 1 Samuel 12:14-15
57 “May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 61 And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” 1 Kings 8:57, 61
2 “The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2bc*
5 “All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.” Micah 4:5
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility . . . . Zephaniah 2:3*
12 “[T]he eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12*
21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:21-22
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
16 The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. 18 And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised. Deuteronomy 26:16-19
15 However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you: 16 You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. 19 You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out. 20 The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him. Deuteronomy 28:15-16, 19-20
33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods . . . . 2 Kings 17:33*
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions
for a National Day of Prayer Service
4 He [King David] appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to extol, thank, and praise the LORD, the God of Israel: 1 Chronicles 16:4
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions
for a National Day of Prayer Service
8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.” He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. 11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.” 2 Kings 22:8, 10-13
14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
12 They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. 15 They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. 2 Chronicles 15:12, 15bc*
3 Alarmed, [King] Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
16 “LORD Almight . . . enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see . . . .” Isaiah 37:16-17*
17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. 18 We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because . . . your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:17a, 18b-19*
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Zephaniah 2:3a*
2 [P]ray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:2*
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” 11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. “LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’ ” 14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. Exodus 32:9-14
7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? Deuteronomy 4:7
5 Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” 9 He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him. 1 Samuel 7:5, 9b*
16 “I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” 1 Samuel 9:16b*
7 “[W]e have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” 2 Chronicles 14:7b*
13 [H]e [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’ . . . .” Matthew 21:13*
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for a National Day of Prayer Service
7 Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. 8 I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. Psalm 85:7-11
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2
13 “It is written,” he [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’ . . . .” Matthew 21:13*
17 And as he [Jesus] taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer . . .’?” Mark 11:17a*
46 “It is written,” he [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’. . . .” Luke 19:46*
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Revelation 8:3-4
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God for a
National Day of Prayer Service
11 [T]ake care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today. 12 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you . . . . 13 He will love you and bless you . . . . 14 You will be blessed more than any other people . . . . Deuteronomy 7:11-13a, 14*
2 “The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 4 [I]n their distress they turned to the LORD . . . and sought him, and he was found by them.” 2 Chronicles 15:2bc, 4*
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12
2 “[Y]ou are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2c*
16 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16b
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
32 [Y]ou who seek God, may your hearts live! Psalm 69:32*
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
The Best Exhortations for a National Day of Prayer Service
5 “ ‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ ” Exodus 19:5-6a*
18 “ ‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land.’ ” Leviticus 25:18
30 “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” 1 Samuel 2:30c*
2 “The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2bc*
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8
23 “ ‘Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.’ ” Jeremiah 7:23*
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11
4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:6-9a*
23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:23-24
9 “I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10*
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
8 I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands . . . . 1 Timothy 2:8*
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for a
National Day of Prayer Service
15 “LORD, . . . God . . . enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.” 2 Kings 19:15a*
2 “[Y]ou are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2c*
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for a National Day of Prayer Service
27 “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27a*
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
29 “Blessed are you . . . ! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD?” Deuteronomy 33:29ab*
17 “Go in peace, and may . . . God . . . grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17*
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us . . . . Psalm 90:17*