Stand in the Gap for Your Nation

“I searched for a man among them who would build up a wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it...” Ezekiel 22:30

It is possible for one person’s righteous prayers to save a nation.

God searches for the godly to hold up the standard for their people. A gaping hole in the moral fabric of a nation can lead to its destruction, but one person praying for God’s mercy holds the fabric together. This happened with Moses and the Israelites. Psalms 106:23 records an instance just like this: “He said that He would destroy them, if Moses, His chosen one, had not stood in the gap before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them.” Moses cried out to God for his people, Israel, and God spared them even though they were living in willful disobedience.

Another instance like this occurred in Ezekiel 22:30, but the result was different: “I searched for a man among them who would build up a wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” The next verse explains the outcome of finding no person to intercede for a nation—“Thus I have poured my indignation on them…” We underestimate the power of one righteous person intervening for the welfare of his or her nation.

Prayer is powerful and can alter events. Perhaps you have believed that your prayers are too small, that you are too insignificant, to make a difference through your prayer life. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Lord’s ear is listening for prayers for nations. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “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.” Pray for your nation and for your nation’s leaders.

Think about it.

Think about how changes in your nation impact you and your family. Consider that you interceding for your nation will have far-reaching impacts for your family and those around you. If you have ever looked at the issues plaguing your nation and wished you could do something, this is what you are called to do—pray.

Read about it.

God’s Word speaks clearly on how He deals with nations: 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Psalms 33:12, Isaiah 2:4, Jeremiah 29:7, and Matthew 25:32-34. How does the Bible say we should regard those in governmental authority? Read it in Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:17.

Pray about it.

Dear Lord, please incline your ear and listen to my prayer. I implore you now to show mercy to my nation and draw hearts to repentance. Please deal with my country, not based on what we deserve, but based on your loving kindness. When you look at us, take special note of the faithful and righteous living here who love and fear you. Bless this nation. In Jesus name.