Prayer For Our Government

3 Powerful Prayers for Our Government

Nowhere is prayer more needed than for the leaders of our government and nation. Whether your prayer is for the President, Congress, or the Judges of our land, they need prayer support. Here are three prayers that might help strengthen them:
 

A Prayer for Our President

Lord, no matter who is leading our country as President, we offer our prayers on behalf of his/her position. Draw him into a strong relationship with You. Thank You for this one who has pledged his life in service to our country. Give him a true servant spirit, one who is a person after Your own heart.

Anoint him with the Holy Spirit’s power, that he might feel Your strength in every situation. Let integrity and honesty guide every decision as He first looks to You for divine help. Turn his heart from distractions and temptations that could bring harm rather than help to his life, his family, and to the people he serves.

Make him a leader in every respect, morally and spiritually strong. Enlighten his mind with discernment, wisdom, and fairness.

May He begin His day with You and Your Word, with gratitude and praise for the honor You have given to him. Throughout the day may Your Spirit remind him of his purpose and of Your love for him.

And when the night arrives, calm his heart with the peace that passes all understanding as he purposes to keep trusting and obeying You, no matter what the cost.

As You surround him with godly counselors, give him accountability to them and the people he serves, but first and foremost to You. Bless him with joy when righteousness and goodness prevail. But give him a heart that weeps for the injustices and sorrows around him.

Guard our President against unfair criticism and unfounded accusations. When he stumbles, give him the courage to admit his mistakes. Strengthen his character, guard him against hurtful compromise, and give him a listening ear for the people he serves.

In danger, surround him and our country with Your angel protection.

From the time he begins in office until his time is complete, may he serve you and our country as a true leader with an undying love, an unswerving faith, and an unending hope in the only One who can make our country great. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 

A Prayer for Congress

Because you desire all people to be saved, we pray for salvation for every leader in Congress and throughout our government. Capture their hearts for kingdom work so they can help turn the hearts of others toward You and the good of our country, helping us live peaceable lives.

For both Representatives and Senators and all who serve within Congress, give them a desire to promote righteousness: the things that will honor You, not themselves. Cut through any hypocrisy or tendencies to make their names known instead of Your own.

Let them experience the joy of sacrifice, honor, and a pure conscience.

Bring a spirit of unity to our Congress, but only with compromises that promote Your good, not godless laws or damaging agendas. Let wisdom and integrity reign in every leader’s life.

Give every leader a strong sense of their destiny, and remind them of their accountability not only to the ones they serve but always to You, Lord. Open their eyes to Your perspective for decision-making.

May Your Word become the truth and guide for all decisions, and may they look to You for the last word. Raise up strong leaders in Congress, Lord, who will stay the course and work tirelessly to foster peace, fairness, and justice for all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 

A Prayer for Judges

Lord, You are the supreme Judge and Ruler over all, so we pray for every judge in every courtroom throughout our nation. We pray for their salvation and their ultimate submission to You so they can understand the true principles of justice, mercy, and grace.

Give them wise hearts and discerning minds that will interpret truth and uphold law according to the principles in Your Word. May they represent You with dignity and integrity with full accountability to You and the ones they serve.

Let them judge tenderly yet firmly for the needs and rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Help each judge to see everyone as You do, as people of worth and value. Give them an extra sense of fairness that judges each individual uniquely. Help them to visualize both the need for discipline and restoration as they look at each case presented to them. Protect them and their families from harm, especially when others disagree with their verdicts.

Deliver them from the temptation to bow at the feet of comfort or convenience, seeking to please people instead of You. Keep them balanced in their priorities, loving God, family, and others. As they rule on the laws that keep Your people and our country safe, remind them that their efforts are not in vain and that every decision matters in the scope of eternity.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 

What Does the Bible Say about Our Role in Government?

God Himself first initiated the position of authority. He is the sole Creator and Ruler of the world. The Bible gives Jesus the name of King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God first set up the principle of submission to authority by establishing that we were to worship Him and Him alone.

From that standard came the principle of submission to all authority, and because of sin, God allowed governing authorities to preserve justice and fairness in the world. Our role in government is not only to obey the laws of our land but to intercede for those in authority.

Obedience means paying taxes, a practice even Jesus taught. We are to offer thanks, stand in the gap for justice, and pray diligently for the ones who represent authority. This is not only pleasing to God, but according to His Word, it allows us to live peaceable, quiet, godly, and dignified lives.

God is the one who places people in leadership—even though in our culture, we are given the privilege of voting for those, hopefully positioning ones in office who do believe in God’s ultimate authority.

As Christians, however, we are not bound to obey laws that violate God’s moral and righteous standards. When commanded by authority, Daniel and his three Jewish friends refused to worship idols.

Peter and the apostles were told to stop teaching about Jesus’ name, but they replied, “We must obey God, rather than man.” We can make appeals, the biblical Queen Esther. And we can help hold our leaders accountable. But our greatest role in government is to pray.

The Bible says when His people will humble themselves and pray, He will not only hear, but He will heal our land.
 

5 Bible Verses about Earthly Rulers and Government
 

• Romans 13:1-2: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

• Romans 13:7 NLT: Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

• Psalm 2: 10-12 CEV: Be smart, all you rulers, and pay close attention. Serve and honor the Lord; be glad and tremble. Show respect to his son because if you don’t, the Lord might become furious and suddenly destroy you. But he blesses and protects everyone who runs to him.

• 1 Timothy 2:1-4 CSB: First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• Proverbs 21:1 CEV: The Lord controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.

God’s Word offers clear direction for leaders in our nation and those in authority. Their responsibilities and duties are never easy. By praying for them faithfully and by living godly, obedient lives ourselves, we can help accomplish God’s purpose and live peaceable lives that are pleasing to Him.

Rebecca Barlow Jordan is an inspirational author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others heart to heart.

She has written 11 books and over 1700 other articles, greeting cards, and other inspirational pieces. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com.

You can find out more about Rebecca at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com.
 

This article is part of our Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/powerful-prayers-for-government.html

Praying for Government Leaders (Part 2): A Prayer Guide

Jan 21st 17 Posted by Natalie Nichols in Believing God, Christian Living

As believers, we’re instructed to pray for “kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2). It is our duty and responsibility to pray for our government leaders.

Part One of this post included a prayer for the president of the United States and his cabinet. These prayer points and scripture references can serve as a guide as you pray for all government leaders—from your local leaders to the state and federal level.

Instructions for Us as We Pray

We are to pray for our leaders and all who are in authority

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3, NIV).

We are to pray respectfully for our leaders.

“Honor all people. … Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17, NKJV).

We are to pray with the clear understanding that government authority is established by God.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1, NKJV).

We are to pray knowing that God’s Word says:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1, NKJV). (Tweet this)

Too often we don’t pray for our leaders in government because:

1. We don’t know what to pray.
2. We feel we over generalize in the request itself, and also when referencing the target of the prayer (e.g. “God bless my leaders”).
3. We feel it’s hopeless to pray—our leaders will remain corrupt, deceitful, or immoral.

The bulleted list below counters each of these hindrances to prayer.

1. It includes specific requests you can make in prayer.
2. It also includes the scriptural basis for the requests, reminding you it’s not hopeless to pray such; it’s God’s will!
3. It also has a place for you to insert your leader’s name. (A quick google search should give you the names of your local, state and federal leaders.)

This is an abbreviated, summary version. The same prayer points are below, with the full text of the scripture references.

Insert the name of your local, state, and federal leader in the prayer guide below.

–

• Open the heart of [name] to hear and respond to the Gospel message if they do not know you. — Acts 16:14

• Help [name] know that his/her office was granted to him/her by God. — Daniel 2:19-22

• Help [name] to accept wise counsel. — Proverbs 11:14; 15:22

• Teach [name] to trust in You. — Psalm 21:7

• Protect [name] from the influence of the evil one. — 2 Thessalonians 3:3

• Pray that [name] will find wisdom and direction in God’s word. — Proverbs 21:1

• Deliver [name] from opinions contrary to Your Word. — Psalm 119:105

• Give [name] discretion, foresight, and understanding in making decisions. — 1 Chronicles 22:12

• Enable [name] to make decisions according to God’s truth. — Proverbs 2:10-11

• Protect [name] from harm, and bless and protect his/her family. — Psalm 21:11; Ezra 6:10

• Enable [name] to carry out his/her duties with humility toward You and toward others. — 1 Peter 5:5

• Give [name] the courage to do the right thing even when urged to do the wrong thing. — Proverbs 2:11–15

• Give [name] a tender heart of compassion toward those he/she leads and serves. — Colossians 3:12 [1]

–

* Points in prayer taken from How to Pray for Our Leaders1

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Open the heart of [name] to hear and respond to the Gospel message if they do not know you.

“Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16:14).

Help [name] know that his/her office was granted to him/her by God.

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,For wisdom and might are His.And He changes the times and the seasons;

He removes kings and raises up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wiseAnd knowledge to those who have understanding.He reveals deep and secret things;He knows what is in the darkness,

And light dwells with Him” (Daniel 2:20-22. NKJV) (Tweet this)

Help [name] to accept wise counsel.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14, NKJV. See also Proverbs 15:22) (Tweet this)

Teach [name] to trust in You.

“For the king trusts in the Lord, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved” (Psalm 21:7, NKJV).

Protect [name] from the influence of the evil one. 

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NKJV). (Tweet this)

Pray that [name] will find wisdom and direction in God’s word.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1, NKJV).

Deliver [name] from opinions contrary to Your Word. 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV). (Tweet this)

Give [name] discretion, foresight, and understanding in making decisions.

“Above all, may the Lord give you insight and understanding when He puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God” (1 Chronicles 22:12, HCSB). (Tweet this)

Enable [name] to make decisions according to God’s truth. 

“For wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will delight your heart.
Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you” (Proverbs 2:10-11).

Protect [name] from harm, and bless and protect his/her family.

“Though they intend to harm you and devise a wicked plan, they will not prevail” (Psalm 21:11, HCSB).

“That they may offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons” (Ezra 6:10, NKJV).

Enable [name] to carry out his/her duties with humility toward You and toward others.

 “wise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5).

Give [name] the courage to do the right thing even when urged to do the wrong thing.

“Discretion will watch over you,and understanding will guard you,

12 rescuing you from the way of evil—

from the one who says perverse things,

13 from those who abandon the right paths

to walk in ways of darkness,

14 from those who enjoy doing evil

and celebrate perversion,

15 whose paths are crooked,

and whose ways are devious” (Proverbs 2:11–15, HCSB)

Give [name] a tender heart of compassion toward those he/she leads and serves.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, HCSB).

–

• “A prayer guide as you #pray for your government leaders. One-sentence requests, with scripture basis for each. Tweet
• “I urge that prayers … be made … for kings and all those who are in authority. ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Tweet
• “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” ~ Proverbs 21:1 Tweet
• “Wisdom and might are [God’s] … He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise.” ~ Daniel 2:20-21 Tweet
• “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” ~ Proverbs 11:14  Tweet
• “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3  Tweet
• “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” ~ Psalm 119:105  Tweet
• “May the Lord give you insight and understanding when He puts you in charge…” ~ 1 Chronicles 22:12 #PrayerforLeaders  Tweet

–

Questions: 

• Do you pray regularly for your government leaders, as we’re exhorted to do? 
• How is your confidence as you pray for those in your government? Are you despondent, having concluded that your government leaders will always be corrupt, deceptive, full of pride, or immoral? 
• Do these prayer points and scripture references encourage you to pray in different ways than you’ve been praying? If so, in what ways? 

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