Prayer of National Confession

Although the United States may have been founded on Christian principles, from the beginning we were a nation of sinners. Both Daniel (Daniel 9:4b-19) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:5-11) model confession of the nation’s sins as they seek revival in the land and the restoration of righteousness and justice. On this Independence Day holiday pray Daniel’s prayer and at the ellipses (…) insert some of our nation’s sins that have troubled you, such as those suggested.


O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame--the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.

We have aborted our babies and abused our children.

We have substituted material things for quality relationships in our families.

We have demeaned marriage and broken our solemn vows.

We have filled our minds with violence from television, movies and video games.

We have worshipped our bodies and physical beauty.

We have glorified celebrity instead of character.

We selfishly believe we deserve to satisfy our every whim with the result of rampant obesity and credit card debt.

We have neglected the poor and put new sports arenas ahead of affordable housing.

We have put the profits of American companies ahead of treating AIDS in the Third World.

We have enslaved the economies of poor countries by making huge loans to corrupt rulers who fill their own pockets rather than serve their people.

We have based our trade agreements and international policies on what will bring the greatest profits to our own pockets instead of freedom and justice for all.

Puffed up with the pride of our own righteousness, we have meddled in the affairs of other nations and brought the ruin of war on them and ourselves.

Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.

(Excerpted from an unpublished manuscript entitled Honey From the Comb; a resource for Scripture Guided Prayer by LeAnne Hardy)