1 Timothy
2:1-4 – “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.”
Jeremiah
29:7 – “But 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.”
2 Chronicles
7:14 – “If my people who are called by my
name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked
ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their
land.”
These verses
highlight the importance of praying for our leaders. And indeed, this is an important command and
duty that we, as Christians, must perform. As we have
discussed in previous articles, prayer is powerful. It is a strong offensive weapon that we have
been given. Praying for our leaders,
according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4, is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
As 2 Chronicles
7:14 says that when God’s people humble themselves, pray, and seek God’s face, turning from their wicked ways, God will
heal their lands. Instead of being angry
about the decisions our country has made, let us be proactive in taking our
country before the Lord in prayer. And He will surely hear our cries. Even if He doesn’t immediately answer our prayers,
He is saying them up in bowls in heaven to one day pour out as judgement upon
this world (see Revelation). Do not
underestimate the power of prayer, especially when the body of Christ comes
together in unity to pray for our nation.
As citizens
of this country, we are only passing through.
We belong to heaven. Yet, as the
Israelites were commanded when in exile, we must pray to the Lord on behalf of
this nation, for when it prospers, we prosper.
Our leaders need strength. They
need wisdom. Instead of shouting at them
to make the right decisions and throwing a fit when they don’t, let us aid them
through prayer. Let us intercede on
their behalf, asking that the Lord would give them understanding and that His
will would be accomplished through their lives.
Think of it!
You can have a real role in our government—without leaving your room! Although you might never physically see the
results of your prayers, you will never know how great the impact will be. Never forget, “…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). So pray, my friends!
Let us join
with Thomas Jefferson in praying for our country: “Almighty God, Who has given
us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always
prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless
our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us
from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every
evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the
multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy
spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government,
that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy
law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of
prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer
not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.”
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