Pray for All People: Day 2

Here in America, we are in the middle of the most divided time in our nation: national election season. On top of a fierce election, we are living through national traumas, racial justice protests, and horrific natural disasters. Honestly, I am exhausted. I open up social media or I listen to the news and I get instantly fatigued. If I feel this way as an average citizen, I can’t imagine the weight that is currently on the shoulders of our governmental leaders.

Now, before we go further, I am going to try my best not to get political. Throughout this month, we are going to pray for our national and local governments more than once, but I will do my best to not dive into politics. I have many strong opinions, but I will resist the urge to express them here. Instead, I will pray for God’s will to be done, for wisdom and salvation to come to our leaders, whether I like them or not. This is hard for me. It’s humbling. And, honestly, I don’t like doing it. I much prefer to pray fire and brimstone prayers on those who I don’t like, but I am reminded that God loves even them. And, whether I like it or not, that person has been placed in a position of authority. So, I will submit, and I will obey God’s call to pray.

As we inch closer and closer to the election, it will become more tempting to become more political. Please join me in trying to maintain a Kingdom perspective instead of an earthly one. It’s really hard and uncomfortable, but I believe that God is honored when we place Kingdom above our nation, party, or preferences.

Today, I am praying Colossians 1:9-12 over our national leaders. Join me in this prayer if you would like and/or pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Father God, I ask that you would fill the leaders of the national government with the knowledge of your will. Give them all spiritual wisdom and understanding so they walk in a manner worthy of you. I pray that they would bear fruit in every good work, increase in the knowledge of you; I pray that they would be fully pleasing to you. Strengthen them with your power, according to your glorious might. Give them endurance, patience, and joy in you. Fill them with thankfulness in their hearts for your love for them, and quicken to their mind areas where you are calling them to repent. Thank you for our national leaders; Lord, have your way in my country. Amen! 

Is it difficult for you to pray for the government?

What is God saying to you today?