(For an explanation of this challenge, see the post 12-Minute Prayer Challenge.)

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Dear Lord,

You promised ancient Israel in Your Word that if they repented of their sins, You would heal their land. Although we are not Your chosen people in the same sense they were, we admit that our own country is in desperate need of the healing that only You can provide. Please stir the hearts of Your children to call upon You in prayer and repentance, and turn the hearts of those who are hostile to You that they may believe and be saved. Grant wisdom and, when necessary, a change of heart to our leaders, that they may lead our country in a manner pleasing to You. Please forgive us for the evils we have allowed in our country. Forgive us for the sin of abortion, which has claimed the lives of over 60 million babies. Forgive us for the crudeness and promiscuity that is rampant in our country and for sexual sins of all sorts. Forgive us for not speaking the truth in love when we should. Forgive us for our selfishness, our pride, our greed, our materialism, our lack of love for our fellow man, our compromising, and our complacency. We deserve nothing but Your righteous judgment, O Lord. Yet in Your mercy, turn us from our sinful paths and lead us to true repentance, for we know that You forgive all who are penitent through the blood of Jesus.

Today I confess to You…

I pray especially this day for…

In Your holy name I pray. Amen.