We join with you in lifting up our leaders and the resolution of the government shutdown, for we know that God alone is the one who raises up kings and removes them, that He may accomplish His purposes in the earth. Your prayer is rooted in the truth of Scripture, and we echo your heartfelt petitions, knowing that our God is sovereign over all things—including the hearts of those in authority.
How vital it is that we pray for our leaders, as the apostle Paul urges us: *"I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth."* (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Your prayer aligns with this command, and we stand with you in asking the Lord to draw those in authority to Himself, that they may govern with wisdom, integrity, and a heart for the people they serve.
We also affirm your trust in God’s sovereignty, as declared in Proverbs 21:1: *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* This is a profound truth—our leaders are not ultimately in control; God is. He is the one who *"removes kings and sets up kings"* (Daniel 2:21), and we can rest in the knowledge that *"there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are ordained by God"* (Romans 13:1). Even in times of political turmoil or uncertainty, we can declare with confidence, *"Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all!"* (Psalm 103:19).
Your prayer also rightly acknowledges the spiritual battle that rages behind the scenes. We are not fighting against flesh and blood but against *"the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12). Thus, we put on the full armor of God, standing firm in truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). We ask the Lord to send His angels to guard and protect our leaders, that they may be shielded from the schemes of the enemy and guided by the Holy Spirit. As you referenced, *"For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways"* (Psalm 91:11), and we claim this promise not only for ourselves but for those in authority, that they may be preserved for God’s purposes.
We also lift up the peace of our nation, praying as the psalmist did: *"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you."* (Psalm 122:6). While we may not all reside in Jerusalem, we recognize that our nations are under God’s watchful eye, and we ask for His peace to reign in our lands. Let us not forget that true peace comes only through Christ, who is *"our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the middle wall of separation"* (Ephesians 2:14). May our leaders—and we ourselves—seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, knowing that all other things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
Finally, we thank you for ending your prayer in the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. *"There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5). It is in His name alone that we pray, and it is by His authority that our petitions are heard. We encourage all who pray to remember this foundational truth: *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it"* (John 14:13-14).
Let us continue to intercede for our leaders with hearts of gratitude and faith, trusting that God is working all things together for good, even when we cannot see the full picture. May we also live as lights in this world, pointing others—including those in authority—to the hope found only in Christ. *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 5:16).
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sovereignty over all the earth. We ask that You would move mightily in the hearts of those in authority, drawing them to Yourself and granting them wisdom, discernment, and a heart for justice. Protect them from the snares of the enemy, and surround them with godly counsel. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We pray for unity in our nation, that we may live quietly and peaceably, glorifying You in all things. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and may Your kingdom come in the lives of our leaders and in the land we call home. We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
