Prayer in Crisis: Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War Intercession

📖 Introduction

Prayer has long been a vital means of communication between humanity and the Divine. Throughout history, leaders facing immense challenges have turned to prayer for wisdom, strength, and guidance. One profound example is Abraham Lincoln, who in the midst of the Civil War—America’s darkest hour—frequently sought God's presence and intervention in moments of extreme national crisis. His prayers reveal an intimate reliance on God and a deep concern for the unity and healing of the nation.

Lincoln’s intercessory prayers during the Civil War were not just personal cries; they were voices lifting an entire nation before God. His petitions highlight the power of prayer to bring clarity amid confusion, courage amid fear, and hope amid despair. The spiritual discipline of intercession, laying the burdens of others before God, is a timeless practice with profound relevance when the weight of crisis feels overwhelming.

In this seven-day study, we will walk through the biblical foundation of prayer and intercession, explore the heartfelt prayers of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and uncover how these powerful moments of surrender and faith remain relevant to us today. Through Scripture and reflection, you will be invited to engage in your own intercessory practice—lifting up your community, nation, and the world in prayer during challenging times. As you study and pray, may you gain a deeper understanding of God’s presence in crises and a renewed passion for lifting others up in prayer.