Last night, I watched the President's State of the Union address. As the camera swept the room, packed with Senators, Representatives, Supreme Court Judges, Cabinet officers, military brass, and various dignitaries, gathered to hear the President; two thoughts came to mind - the challenges of leadership are great and these are not supermen! President Bush pointed to the threats of war in places like Iran and N. Korea. He spoke of the need to finish the job of defeating the radical Islamic factions that want to destroy America. He urged action on issues involving the continuing cost of care of the elderly and the escalating cost of medical care in our country. He pointedly addressed the nation's "addiction to oil" and the priority of developing other energy sources. One thing is clear - this is a tough time to be a political leader.
The Bible tells Believers to "Plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. ... for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NLT)
Praying for someone is a gift! Last Sunday night in a prayer meeting, as I was praying, I became aware of a person calling out to God for me, her Pastor. I stopped praying for a moment to listen. Her words asking God to keep me strong and to use me in teaching His Word were so encouraging and humbling. What a gift. Then, too, I love to pray for people, speaking to God on behalf of someone who is broken, sick, confused, or in need of forgiveness. The Bible reminds us that "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)
That gift of prayer should be offered to those who are in authority. While you and I may not have much political clout, we have God's ear. He listens to us and His Spirit is not restrained by security or scheduling coordinators. As we pray, we can have a powerful effect on public policy makers. The Bible says - "The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he turns it wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1, NLT) Isn't that wonderful? We can help our leaders by praying for God's powerful Presence to lead them, to guide their decisions. Let us pray with more specificity than "Lord, bless the President!" How about praying for courage, for insight, for wisdom, for humility? Then too, how about praying for ALL of those who lead? Learn the names of policy makers and those who represent you in Congress, in the State House, at the local level and pray for them by name.
As we pray for those who lead, let us pray for more than greater prosperity. Let us go beyond "America First" prayers. Let us pray as citizens of Heaven who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." As we pray for those entrusted with power to become good and godly, to be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit, and to be true servants - we lay the foundation for positive results that go beyond serving our self-interest. In prayer we become partners with God influencing our leaders to use their office in the cause of justice and peace.
And, "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." (Proverbs 29:2, NLT)
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