The National Day of Prayer is a wonderful opportunity for America to unite in prayer. There is great power in corporate prayer … in crying out to the Lord. We are facing a clear and present danger in our generation. We are fighting battles every single day.

Our world is in turmoil, unstable, full of pressures and uncertainties. Sometimes the problems can seem so overwhelming that we wonder if there are any answers to the needs, troubles and tribulations we face.

But there is an answer. And that answer can be found in prayer.

God is looking for people like you and me who will so connect with Him in prayer that He can unleash His power through us. It is a power to overcome any trial, any sorrow and any challenge. It’s a power that can change our nation and our world.

Our theme for the National Day of Prayer this year is “Lord, Hear Our Cry,” inspired by 1 Kings 8:28: “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day” (NIV).

Isn’t that amazing? Prayer takes you and me into the presence of God!

The God we serve has made Himself accessible to us. He is available and attentive. God is near and intent on receiving every prayer that we choose to pray. When we come before God in humility and sincerity seeking His face, He hears us. And when we are willing to exchange our fleeting, infrequent prayers for passionate, persistent prayers, we will find the provision we need.

In this desperate hour, may our hearts cry out to God for the healing of our nation’s spiritual brokenness. May Jesus be exalted and may God’s people be awakened to a new obedience to fulfill the Great Commission.

Throughout the country, where people have gathered, we will pray in unison at noon (EDT) on the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 7th. May He bless our nation as we humbly seek His face together. Please join me in praying this prayer during this special day in our nation:

Heavenly Father,

We come to You in the Name that is above every name — Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You. Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God — the One we trust in times like these — we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.

We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word. We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.

Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.

We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You. Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope. Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.

We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.

In Jesus’ name, our Savior. Amen.

Dr. Jack Graham is honorary chairman for the 2015 National Day of Prayer and pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, which has nearly 40,000 members and three campuses in North Texas.