Editorial: ‘Praying for Your City’ - Dr Jason Hubbard
Praying for Your City – Encouraging the Prayer Warriors!
By Dr. Jason Hubbard
“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile,
and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare
you will find your welfare.” - Jeremiah 29:7
Beloved, our God calls us to lift up our cities in prayer. Your street, your neighborhood, your town, or your city is not random — 
it is your assignment from the Lord! Acts 17:26 tells us that God “determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,” which means you are living where you are by divine appointment.Your presence is not accidental. You are planted there for Kingdom purposes — to shine as a light (Matthew 5:14–16), to proclaim the Good News of Jesus (Luke 4:18–19), and to intercede until your city sees His glory (Habakkuk 2:14).
As you pray, the Lord responds and you can see the spiritual atmosphere shift over your city! When Daniel prayed for Babylon, angelic forces were released (Daniel 10:12–13). When the early church prayed in Jerusalem, the place was shaken, and they were filled with boldness to preach Christ (Acts 4:29–31). When Paul and Silas prayed in Philippi, prison doors opened and salvation came to a whole household (Acts 16:25–34).
Why Pray for Your City?
- Because God loves your city. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–42). His heart is moved for the lost, the broken, the trafficked, the orphaned, the widow, the poor, and the peoples of your city in need of Hope for their future and forgiveness for their past!
- Because the enemy seeks to destroy your city. Satan is described as the thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). His schemes target cities — sowing division, violence, injustice, idolatry, and immorality.
- Because the Gospel is for every tribe, tongue, and nation living in your city! Jesus declared in Matthew 28:18–20 that we are to make disciples of all nations. The nations live in our cities – Jesus desires that every people in every place are called to be his ‘disciples.’ That includes the unreached families on your block, the immigrant communities in your city, and the children growing up without hope.
So, how can we take our stand as prayer warriors for our cities? Let me share some tools, guidelines, and encouragement.
1. Pray the Word Over Your City
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s Word is the most powerful prayer manual ever written!
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Insert the name of your city: “Father, let Your Kingdom come in Bristol as it is in Heaven!”
- Pray apostolic prayers: Ask for a spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17), for love to abound (Philippians 1:9),and for the Word of the Lord to spread rapidly and be honored (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
- Pray promises of revival: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). I included 25 Global Promises that you can use to pray for your city!
When you pray Scripture, you are agreeing with God’s eternal purposes. As Hudson Taylor said, “When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works.”
2. Develop a Lifestyle of Prayer for Your City
Paul exhorts us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That doesn’t mean constant talking, but constant awareness and fellowship with the Lord. Here are some simple ways to cultivate intercession:
- Create a prayer list for your city — list your mayor, council, schools, hospitals, police, local churches, and unreached groups.
- Set a regular time to pray daily for your city. Even 15 minutes can shape the destiny of thousands.
- Fast for breakthrough — “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
Remember, prayer is not just asking — it is intimacy. As you delight in God, His heart for your city will become your heart (Psalm 37:4). As you “See your City,” you will grow in love for your city! As God begins to respond to your prayers, you will begin to ‘See God in your City.”
One Church – One Day: Here is a great video story from a small town in Eugene Oregon that is beginning to see God move powerfully in their city! -
3. Prayer-Walking Your Streets
Prayer-walking is simple: walk through your city or village and pray on-site with insight.
- Pray blessing, not cursing (Luke 6:28). Speak peace to homes and businesses.
- Pray Scripture aloud — declare God’s promises over schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
- Listen as you walk — ask the Spirit for discernment: what spiritual strongholds need to be torn down? What opportunities for blessing can you proclaim?
- Go two by two — Jesus sent His disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1). Prayer is strengthened in agreement (Matthew 18:19–20).
As you walk, expect God to give you divine appointments. Carry tracts, a listening ear, and a ready heart to share Jesus with those you meet.
See this free downloadable Prayer-Walking Guide for Prayer Warriors!
And this superb reminder of God’s Promises
4. Go and Make a Difference
Prayer without obedience is incomplete. The Great Commission calls us not only to pray but also to go (Matthew 28:19). As you intercede for your city, the Lord may stir you to practical action:
- Volunteer at a food bank or refugee center.
- Mentor at-risk youth.
- Serve in your local church’s outreach team.
- Advocate for justice in your city (Isaiah 1:17).
Prayer fuels mission, and mission fuels prayer. As you serve, you’ll find your prayers becoming sharper, your compassion deeper, and your hope stronger.
5. Encouragement for the Prayer Warriors
Beloved, do not grow weary. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow “to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). Prayer is the evidence of faith. It proves we believe God is at work in our city.
- Your prayers are incense before the throne. “The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God” (Revelation 8:4).
- Your prayers release angelic activity. Daniel’s prayers moved heavenly armies (Daniel 10:12–13).
- Your prayers bring justice. “Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).
Satan fears nothing more than a praying church. The devil wants to convince you your prayers don’t matter. But James 5:16 declares, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
6. A Vision for a Praying City
What would it look like if your city became a house of prayer? Imagine 24/7 worship rising like incense (Malachi 1:11). Imagine watchmen posted on the walls of your city, crying out until it becomes “a praise in the earth” (Isaiah 62:6–7). Imagine the lost saved, families restored, schools transformed, leaders filled with wisdom, and the Gospel proclaimed to every person.
This is not a fantasy — it is God’s heart! He promised: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:8).
Conclusion: Until He Comes
Prayer warriors, lift your eyes. The day is coming when Jesus will reign over every city (Revelation 21:24). Until then, take your stand on the walls. Intercede day and night. Walk your streets.
Pray His Word.
Love your neighbors.
Preach the Gospel.
You are God’s watchmen, His intercessors, His ambassadors. Do not despise the day of small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). Even your weakest prayer, joined to His infinite power, can topple strongholds and usher in revival.
Let us be those who “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7), who stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30), and who persevere until our towns, villages, and cities shine with the light of Christ.
“For the LORD will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (Isaiah 60:2–3).
Until He comes,
Dr. Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect
