Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Lord, there are many ways for a nation to have influence. Most seek power through military or economic strength. But Lord, would you make our nation one whose greatest strength is its righteousness – that our country be one that always does the right thing. May other nations look to us and esteem our honesty and our concern for our own people as well as for our fellow nations. May we be known for making peace and caring for the oppressed. May we be known for standing up for what is good and wholesome and for condemning that which harms people. May we be a people who adamantly uphold the right for each person to worship and obey God.

May we be a bastion of liberty but also of holiness. Lord, may you also help us to continually be aware that sin degrades our nation. May we be ashamed of the degradation of some rather than exalting in it and exporting it across the airwaves. In this day of spiritual darkness, may you raise up our nation in righteousness so it truly is a city set on a hill whose light shines out to all the peoples on earth. We ask in Jesus’ name – Amen.