Praying for the World, One Country at a Time

John Knox prayed, “Lord, give me Scotland lest I die.”

Paul wrote, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:2-3).

Jesus prayed, “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word ... I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours” (John 17).

All three ached to reach the lost, but notice how specific their concerns were – for Scotland, for kinsmen and for those whom God had given to Jesus. Their burdens were tangible. I think there’s something to that.

Years ago, I came across a book called Operation World by Operation Mobilization. It’s formatted for daily use, giving readers specific demographics and prayer points for every country in the world. It’s the best resource I’ve seen when it comes to praying for the nations.

I have an old edition (5th edition) of the book, so I need to purchase an update (the most current is the 7th edition), but I just opened my copy to March 11 and the country to pray for today is Botswana (in Africa). Again, this is old information so I won’t list particulars, but it lists the country’s economic condition, political positions, social problems, religious breakdown, church problems, and it provides seven specifics to pray about.

Over the years, I’ve worked my way through this book twice. It’s been a while, so I need to make it a priority again soon. But if you are looking for something specific to pray about during your devotional time, how about praying for the nations – one by one for a year? (No, there aren’t enough countries to pray for one all 365 days, but the book includes various islands and territories, and it also includes days to pray for items such as Christian literature, relief and development, medical mission work, etc.).

Doing so will give you a view of the world from a kingdom perspective.