Join Parkview Baptist Church, Baton Rouge as we commit to 250 Hours of Prayer between June 24 and July 4, 2026, and lift up our church, community, and nation. Written by the PBCBR staff, this guide provides daily devotional insights and prayers to help you remain constant in prayer.

Prayer is important because it acknowledges our need for assistance, it deepens our personal relationship with God, and it brings comfort and guidance to our daily lives. Through prayer, we align our will with God, find peace in difficulties, and intercede for others.

Over the course of history, our nation has called upon God in times of despair and destruction, rejoiced in moments of success and accomplishment, and sought to maintain the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. At times, we have failed miserably as a nation; other times have exemplified God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

For the next few days, we invite you to reflect on the birth of America, but more importantly, on the true freedom found through Christ. May this guide serve as a recognition of the service of men and women who have helped forge America, and may it point us to the ultimate sacrificial Servant who gave everything for us to be reconciled to God.

“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Wednesday, July 24 - (Psalm 22:27-28)
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. - Psalm 22:27-28 ESV

On December 20, 1606, settlers from the Virginia Company in England embarked on a journey across the sea. They landed at Cape Henry on April 29, 1607, and soon proceeded inland to establish Jamestown, the first successful and permanent English colony in North America. Upon landing at Cape Henry, the settlers erected a seven-foot cross and held the first prayer service in Virginia. The Reverend Robert Hunt offered thanks for God's mercy and grace in bringing them safely to this new land. He dedicated the new continent to God's purpose.

Cape Henry Prayer attributed to Reverend Robert Hunt
We do hereby dedicate this Land, and ourselves, to reach the People within these shores with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up Godly generations after us, and with these generations take the Kingdom of God to all the earth. May this Covenant of Dedication remain to all generations, as long as this earth remains and may this land, along with England, be evangelists to the world. May all who see this cross remember what we have done here and may those who come here to inhabit join us in this Covenant and this most noble work, that the Holy Scriptures may be fulfilled. From these very shores the gospel shall go forth, not only to this new world, but the entire world.
 
Pray today for the gospel to shine from shore to shore. Ask God to raise up men and women who acknowledge Christ as the Sovereign Lord and are unashamed to share his message of salvation with others. May God grant us the boldness and obedience to follow him on our daily journey as we spread the gospel. May people from every nation worship the One True God.

Thursday, July 25 - Leviticus 25
The LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, when you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the LORD.”
“You shall count seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the time of the seven weeks of years shall give you forty-nine years. Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan.” - Leviticus 25:1–2; 25:8–10a

The Pennsylvania State House Bell was ordered in 1751 as a fiftieth anniversary commemoration of Pennsylvania’s original constitution. The bell arrived from England in 1752 and immediately cracked during its very first test. Local craftsmen had to melt it down and remake it twice; the first attempt sounded terrible, and it wasn't until the second re-casting that it finally produced a clear, resonant E-flat note. Eventually, the bell cracked again and had to be retired from use.

The State Bell was inscribed with Leviticus 25:10 which calls for liberty to be proclaimed throughout the land to all its inhabitants. Originally given to the children of Israel who escaped Egypt to dwell in Canaan, Leviticus 25 established a Sabbath Year every 7 years and the Year of Jubilee every 50 years. During the Year of Jubilee, debts were forgiven, leased land was returned to the original owners, fields were rested from planting and harvesting, and indentured servants were freed.

In the 1800s, abolitionists who were fighting to end slavery saw the bell not just as a piece of metal, but as a symbol of the freedom they were trying to achieve for everyone. During this time, the bell came to be known as “The Liberty Bell.”

Today, the bell reminds us that America was founded on great ideals that were not always lived out perfectly at the start. Much like the bell was re-cast to fix its sound, the United States has had to "re-cast" its laws and society to correct old wrongs and fix unfair systems. The Liberty Bell reminds us to continue working toward a more perfect union. It reminds us of our own flaws and of the reality that Jesus Christ is the only One who can repair and restore our lives.

God himself serves as the true Author of Liberty through the sacrificial offering of his Son, Jesus Christ, as the payment for our sin. Through faith in Christ, we are granted true freedom from the enslavement of sin and separation from God.

Rejoice today in the price Christ paid for our sin. Let us seek forgiveness and run the race set before us “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Saturday, July 26 - Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:28-31

​​​​In the book of Isaiah, we encounter Israelites who were suffering in exile in Babylon. They felt abandoned by God and doubted that he was powerful enough to save them. While the first part of the book conveys warnings of judgment, Isaiah 40 offers words of hope, restoration, and a return to Jerusalem.

Countering false gods and fleeting humanity is the unshakable nature of the eternal and reliable Creator of the ends of the earth. Those who put their trust in him are promised renewed strength. They have hope that they will rise above their circumstances as they wait on the Lord.

In 1961, writing to the Audubon Society about the American bald eagle, President John F. Kennedy stated, “The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America.”  While the bald eagle has been America’s symbolic national bird since 1782, it was not formalized as such until December 2024. Nevertheless, the eagle has served as a reminder to us of the strength, power, vision, and judgment as depicted in the Bible.

While we face doubts and difficulties in today’s world, may we remember to wait for the Lord so that our strength will be renewed. Let us strive for righteous living and daily obedience in our walk with God. Praise God today that he is our source for strength and freedom, our hope for restoration and renewal.

Saturday, July 27 - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Corinthians 3:17

What is the definition of true liberty and freedom? This verse tells us that we find liberty when we, as Christians, walk and live daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ living his life in and through us is the key for our liberty. All we have to do is to look at the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
 
When we, as believers, surrender our daily lives to the Holy Spirit, he produces these fruits in us. That is the true definition of liberty for us!

So, what is the greatest gift we can give to people for America’s 250th Anniversary? Would it not be for our fellow Americans to see the liberty we have in Christ? They will see that when they witness the fruit of the Spirit in us. The songwriter said, “Let others see Jesus in you.” When people see that, they will want to know how they can know Christ as their Savior.

Pray today for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in your life. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to exhibit a life that draws others to Christ. Lift up those around you who need to know him as their Savior.

Sunday, July 28 - Genesis 1:1-2, Gensis 1:26-31; Psalm 139; John 1:1-5
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:1-2
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. - Genesis 1:26-31

Long before the birth of nations, the Word of God existed. From its inspired pages, people have learned about being created in the image of God. The doctrine of imago Deo confers dignity, purpose, and sanctity of life to all. It transcends any national flag, political party, or religious denomination.

Humans are more like God than anything else created. He created us in his image and expects us to flourish. His love for humanity should be reflected in the way humans treat one another. God longs for us to obey his commandments and strive to be as much like him as possible.

May our hearts comprehend why God has created us. May we whole-heartedly love him and our neighbors. And may his nature be reflected in our justice and morality, in our personal relationships, and in our stewardship of his creation. Praise God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that he has created us with a purpose to exalt him and to make him known. Share those truths with someone today.

Monday, July 29 - Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! - Psalm 33:12
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. - Proverbs 14:34

Psalm 33:12 is given in the context of the great works of the Lord. The psalmist is reflecting on the steadfast love of God, and the many ways that he has demonstrated his faithfulness. The declaration that the nation whose God is the Lord focuses on the privileges and blessing that God provides to those who follow him. It is important for us to make sure to understand the context of this verse correctly. The psalmist in these verses is referring to the nation of Israel, and the reality of God’s covenant with them. They were certainly blessed by all that God did for them and the ways that he demonstrated his steadfast love over and over again. As we consider the application for us, we can certainly apply it to those that trust in the Lord and surrender to him. To be found in Christ is the greatest blessing that anyone could name, and any nation that would follow him will certainly know the blessing that comes from knowing Christ.

When righteousness prevails, those all around feel the benefit. It is easy to recognize when the culture of a place has impacted the people who live there negatively. History is littered with stories of neighborhoods and cities that became riddled by crime and corruption to the detriment of the people who live there. The reproach of sin leads to misery and ultimately death. But righteousness leads to life. The benefit to a culture when people seek to live righteously has a tremendous breadth of benefit.

We are those who are acquainted with what it is to be a sinner and bear the reproach of sin. Scripture tells us in Romans 3:23 that, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” So, we are all in the same boat, and our sinfulness, if not redeemed, will mean death. But the good news is that righteousness is available through Christ and redemption is available to all who would believe. When we know Christ and seek to live obediently, there is a joy that we will know which should impact those around us.

As we pray today, thank God for the redemption he has given in Christ. We should recognize as the psalmist did that the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever. We can probably all think of a place that has seen the impact of sin run rampant in communities and in families. Let us pray that they would realize redemption in Christ is available and surrender to him. Let us pray that our nation might turn to the Lord, that people everywhere - in every corner of this great nation - would turn to the Lord in repentance and faith. Pray for those who would share the gospel and pray that we would be emboldened to share it ourselves. Pray for the impact that kind of change would make in every place across the USA.

Tuesday, July 30 - John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

The Medal of Honor is the highest award granted by the United States, being awarded to an individual who “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” The award has been granted posthumously to 618 individuals (about 18.7 percent of the 3,528 total recipients).

Countless stories from across history describe individuals who made the greatest sacrifice to save the lives of friends and fellow soldiers. Their willingness to lay down their own lives provided for the rescue of others. For those in great peril, with death as a certain outcome, another standing in their place allowed for their lives to be spared.

This sort of sacrifice calls to mind the greatest story of sacrifice. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, stepped down from eternal glory to live among mankind for the purpose of laying down his life. In John 15:13, John is relating the words of Christ spoken to his disciples. Jesus is exhorting his disciples to “abide" in his love, expressed in their love to one another (verse 12). Though he has not yet been to the cross, his command to those belonging to him is to love “as I have loved you.” This sort of love is certainly what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13. The love of Jesus is on display in his humility, described by Paul in Philippians 2. The greatest display of Christ’s love is on the cross where he willingly laid down his life to atone for the sins of all would call on his name.

Though we may never be called to lay our physical lives down for the sake of others, we will often encounter opportunities to lay aside personal preferences and agendas for the good of others. As you pray today, ask the Lord to help you live out the “no greater love” command of Christ.

The God Over All - 1 Timothy 2:1-6
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. - 1 Timothy 2:1-6

On September 17, 1787, delegates signed the U.S. Constitution which established the three branches of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). Since then, each branch has been drafting bills and implementing laws that affect the gospel in some way or form.

In 1 Timothy 2, Paul urges Timothy to offer intercession for people who are in high positions. The reason for offering intercession for people in authority is that in Timothy’s context often Christians were accused of undermining the state because they claimed a higher Lord other than Ceasar. These people would often point out that they supported the state by being a good citizen and by praying for the emperor, not to the emperor.

The aim for prayer for those in high positions is so that Christians can live peaceful and quiet lives. A life that is aimed toward godliness and dignity. This way of life is pleasing in the sight of our Savior who desires all to be saved and to know him.

It is important that when we pray for those in high positions that we pray with an evangelical purpose. Our real aim is that those who are governmental leaders would come under the authority of Jesus and make decisions that allow the gospel to advance.

So, would you pray for our government to make decisions that allow the gospel to advance? Pray for them to humbly submit to the Lordship of Jesus.

Thursday, July 2 - Romans 5:12-21
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—  for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 5:12-21

Even before the Declaration of Independence was penned, there was a force established to protect citizens and fight in the Revolutionary War. The Army, the oldest branch of the US military, was established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. This group of soldiers would set the standard for those to come by fighting and sacrificing for freedom. In the words of US Army Sergeant Howard William Osterkamp, “All gave some; some gave all.” In other words, some servicemen and women gave a portion of their lives and liberty to serve. A subset of those heroes paid the highest price for freedom by giving their lives.

The Bible reminds us that God chose us as believers in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him (Ephesians 1:4). Before we were even formed, the Sovereign God initiated a plan for our protection and ultimate freedom. He knew what would come. He knew his only Son would have to die to bring redemption and our eternal reward. Through the shed blood of One who stood in our place, we can have freedom and eternal security when we place our faith in Jesus Christ.

While sin entered the world through Adam, righteousness was afforded through Jesus Christ. Even amid difficulty and persecution, God’s Word points out that we can honor God and focus on the hope we have in Christ. First Peter 1:18-21 states, “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

Praise God for the ultimate victory he has won over sin through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pray that the redemption offered through Christ will be evident to everyone you encounter today. Praise him for salvation and eternal life.

Friday, July 3 - Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14

God’s amazing grace has been seen throughout the past 250 years of our nation. His patience has been extended to us so that people might have time to hear of his gift of freedom and forgiveness and respond in obedience. This is real liberty, real freedom - freedom from sin and eternal separation from God.

In the days ahead, may we honor him by renouncing ungodliness and worldly passions. Let us live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives that demonstrate our love for him and for our fellow man. May we continue longing for the hope of eternal salvation and our eternity in heaven as his followers.

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, calls us to be holy just as he is holy. May we, individually, and as a nation, be men and women who are purified and surrendered to good works for his glory.

Ask God to burn away any impurities in your life so that you might be a pure vessel for use for his glory. Praise him for his grace that he extends to you each day.

Saturday, July 4 - Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. - Ephesians 6:10-20
 
World War II was a massive undertaking with battles being fought in many different theatres and battle lines existing all over the world. One of the reasons the United States was able to achieve victory was the ability to outfit and supply the troops. In fact, many point to this as one of the less visible deciding factors of the war. If you have ever watched movies that depict war or battles, then you are familiar with scenes where the characters are prepping themselves for the battle they will face. Those scenes almost always depict the person putting on their armor or equipment and arming themselves with the weapons they need. Having the right tools and equipping yourself properly are essential to preparation and victory.

In this passage, Paul demonstrates what it looks like for the Christian to prep for the spiritual battle that rages all around us. Paul lists the pieces of armor, what they protect against, and what their purposes are. At heart in the description of this armor is the encouragement to make sure we are fortified. We can trust in the Lord for his provision and grace for faithfulness to him. There will be daily battles against our adversary and ploys he will use to hamper us with temptation, sin, or even inaction. We must be ready and heed this admonition to prepare ourselves rightly. Going into the battle equipped and prepared will mean the difference between faithfulness or failure.

As we pray today, let us ask the Lord to fortify us against Satan’s attacks and to give us grace that we might stand. May our people recognize the spiritual battles that rage all around us. Let us ask the Lord that we would be people ready and fortified for faithfulness.