This is Important – Never Forget & Never Stop Praying

Sharing is caring!

They told us “never forget”…

I’ve always remembered dates.

Most of them are good: anniversaries of special events, new beginnings, celebrations, and moments of Joy.

Some are not so good, and others are downright terrible. Days we’d like to forget, but sadly, are imprinted on our lives through powerful mental images. Like a scrapbook of life living inside our heads.

Dates. Pictures. Remembrances.

Tomorrow is one of those days.

9/11 Flag of Honor –
Never Forget Those Who Were Lost

The majority of us remember the moment we first heard the news of the attack on our country 25 years ago. We remember standing frozen in front of the television, and finding the images that were playing across the screen hard to believe.

For years, we proclaimed the words, “Never Forget!”

September 11, 2001.

A day that changed our lives through the losses and pain. When suddenly, we all felt vulnerable. Less secure. Less trusting.

But we rallied together. And in the months that followed… people loved on and encouraged each other in this place we call home.

The United States of America

I sometimes wonder what has happened in the past 25 years.

When did the decline begin? When did we start noticing our differences over our similarities? When did we turn on each other? When did we get so angry?

And then I wonder… what will it take to turn it around?

Some look to leaders, believing a “new” Washington will “make America great again.” But I’m not so sure.

Although leadership is important, this problem will not be solved in the halls of Congress or the Oval Office.

Sadly, this is a heart problem, one that can only be solved on our knees when we drop our indignation and put on humility. When we surrender to our Creator in prayer with a heart of repentance.

The problem plaguing our nation will only change when the pleas coming from our prayer closets invite God to transform our homes, neighborhoods, office buildings, schools, and churches.

Paul wrote the following to Timothy…

 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone

1 Timothy 2:1–6

Prayers for America

A Prayer that the hearts and minds of people will turn to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many people who have repented and turned to You in faith. I pray the words of the Psalmist, “Revive us again, so Your people can rejoice in You.
Show us Your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation.” (Psalm 85:6–7) Make us SEEKers of Your TRUTH, that we might have peace in Your promises. Amen.

A Prayer asking God to strengthen our families.

Lord, may we realize the blessing of living together in strong families. May we pray together and encourage one another to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You. And may we all be able to say with Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Fill us with Your Spirit and strengthen us with Your love in Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer asking God to protect us and give us peace.

Father, we see turmoil in our nation and around the world. As we remember past wars and the 9/11 attack on our nation, please bless us with peace. Your Word 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, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) May we turn to You in humility, trusting in Your provision and care. Amen.  

A Prayer asking God to increase our love for Him and for one another.

Father, our Savior, Jesus said that the greatest Commandments are, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10)

Your love for us is so great that You gave Jesus to save us. Please work in us until we love You with all we are and love our neighbors as You desire. Amen.

A Prayer that God will guard and protect the hearts and minds of our children.

Oh Father, the enemy of our souls is working through technology, entertainment, and our educational systems to turn the hearts and minds of our children away from Your Truth. You created each of us. You know what is best, and You told us how to live Your best in Your Word.

Please work through families and churches to guide our children according to Your will. Surround us with Your warrior angels and protect our families with Your love. Amen.

A Prayer that God will give us leaders who honor and glorify Him.

Heavenly Father, as we approach another election season, we have the opportunity to select the people who will make decisions for our communities, states, and nation. This year, the choices seem even more extreme. I pray that You will guide us to vote for people who trust You and who will honor and glorify You with their lives publicly and privately.

With wisdom, Solomon wrote, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” (Proverbs 29:2) Please help us select godly leaders. Amen.

A Prayer asking God for churches that teach His TRUTH in LOVE

Lord God, I pray that Your TRUTH will prevail throughout our nation. May we study Your Word and, through Your Spirit, have the wisdom to discern whether our church leaders are speaking Your will or only sharing what “itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3)

We close our prayers where we began, asking You to make us SEEKers who want to KNOW You, so that we might LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Quotes to Inspire Us to Never Forget

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” ~ Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

“We will never forget 911. And neither will future generations. The story, images, and human cost will always conjure up horror and tears, but will also forever be identified with stories of incredible bravery, determination, and personal sacrifice.” ~ Joe Gandelman

“I will never forget seeing what hate can destroy… I will never forget seeing what love can heal…” ~ Steve Maraboli

Finally…

May we always remember the events of 9/11 and pray that God’s name will be glorified, and that Jesus will be proclaimed as Lord and Savior by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:20-22

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!