“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Proverbs 14:34
Today, as we observe the National Day of Prayer, which is the first Thursday of May here in the United States, I want to bring you a word for the church and our nation. If you live outside the United States, I invite you to take what I share and apply it to your own nation, praying for all those in authority as scripture instructs us to do.
I want to ask you a question today:
Who are the history makers?
The Foundation That Exalts a Nation
Psalm 20:7 reminds us: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” We could easily substitute chariots and horses for military might, economic power, or political influence. And while those things have their place, the Bible is clear that when pride enters in, a fall is not far behind.
The real foundation of any lasting nation, any enduring legacy, is righteousness. Proverbs 14:34 says it plainly:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Righteousness is not just a spiritual concept. It is the foundational, sustaining building block that keeps a nation standing as a lighthouse for the Lord in times of darkness. Without it, even the mightiest empires crumble.
And there is another plumb line the Lord drops to test the heart of a nation. Proverbs 29:14 states:
“The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.”
How we relate to the poor and how we treat the vulnerable are not peripheral issues. They are measuring rods of the heart. A leader, a nation, a people who judge with truth and compassion will be established— not here today and gone tomorrow, but established and sustained for a long time.
Where Are My Daniels?
Years ago, I was traveling through Germany, boarding a late-night train outside of Frankfurt heading into Bavaria for a prophetic conference. I settled into a sleeper car, but I did not sleep. The train rattled through the night, and somewhere in those dark hours, the voice of the Lord came to me, not once, but over and over again.
I heard Him whisper:
Where are my Daniels? Where are my Esthers? Where are my Josephs? Where are my Deborahs?
Again and again that question echoed through the night. Perhaps six hours. Perhaps eight. The same words, repeated with a quiet, urgent intensity.
What was the Lord really asking? I believe He was asking:
Where are those who will stand in the gap? Where are those chosen for such a time as this? Where are those who have been through the pit but will be brought to the pinnacle? Where are those trained and positioned to serve as spiritual consultants to their generation?
And He might add other names, such as Corrie ten Boom, Florence Nightingale, William and Catherine Booth. Where are the laid-down lovers of Jesus for this generation?
They are right here. Right now. You!
Praying for Those in Authority
One of the most powerful things a history maker can do is pray. Righteousness may be in short supply, but the people of God can stand in the gap for their leaders. We can pray for every aspect of righteousness— wisdom, justice, compassion— to manifest in the lives of those in authority.
I pray for authority figures by name, anchoring my prayers in scriptures like 2 Chronicles 7:14, Proverbs 29:14, Psalm 25:21, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. I ask the Lord to give leaders His heart. To help them rule with truth, integrity, and compassion, especially on behalf of the poor and the vulnerable.
And I have found this: I cannot pray as fruitfully alone as I can when I link arms with fellow watchmen. For this reason, I helped found Global Prayer Storm, dedicated to carrying these very prayer concerns before the throne of God.
I want to invite you to join us at GlobalPrayerStorm.com. Sign up and become part of a company of history makers who are praying together.
Friend, I believe the Lord is extending a contract from heaven to you today. There is a line at the bottom, and He is simply asking you to sign your name.
He may not tell you everything it entails. But He will tell you this: His will is good, His mercies endure forever, and what He wants to do in you and through you is beyond anything you could dream or imagine.
Where are the history makers? They are right here. Right now.
Will you answer?
Here I am, Lord. Use me.
For a resource to help you go deeper in a life of intercession, I want to recommend my book, The Lifestyle of a Watchman. It will equip and inspire you to pray with God’s heart for your nation, your city, and those in authority.
You can watch the full podcast below!
God bless you!
James W. Goll
