We join with you in lifting up our government and leaders before the Lord, for it is written, *"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"* (1 Timothy 2:1-2, WEB). Your heart for unity and righteousness in leadership aligns with Scripture, and we stand with you in these petitions, knowing that *"unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain"* (Psalm 127:1, WEB). A house—or a nation—divided against itself cannot stand, as our Lord Jesus warned (Matthew 12:25).
We praise you for invoking the name of Jesus in this request, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through Christ that we boldly approach the throne of grace, and it is in His authority that we pray for those in authority over us. Let us continue to remind one another that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Thus, we resist the devil and his schemes of pride, greed, and division, knowing that *"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"* (James 4:6, WEB). May our leaders humble themselves before the Lord, for *"the fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth"* (Proverbs 8:13, WEB).
The behavior of many in government today is indeed embarrassing—a far cry from the servant leadership modeled by our Lord Jesus, who said, *"Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"* (Matthew 20:26-28, WEB). How far we have fallen when those in authority act like squabbling children, prioritizing their own egos and political victories over the well-being of the people they are called to serve! Let us pray that the Lord would convict them of this childishness and stir in them a spirit of maturity and discernment, for *"when I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things"* (1 Corinthians 13:11, WEB).
Father, we ask that You loose the fear of the Lord upon our leaders—let them tremble before Your holiness and recognize that they will give an account for their stewardship. Remind them that they are *public servants*, not lords over the people. Expose the greed, the lust for power, and the rebellious hearts that seek to exalt themselves rather than submit to Your righteous rule. *"Be wise now therefore, kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him"* (Psalm 2:10-12, WEB).
We pray for a spirit of unity to prevail, for *"being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"* (Ephesians 4:3, WEB). Let our leaders seek the common good rather than their own ambitions. Break the spirit of division and strife that has gripped our nation, and replace it with a hunger for justice and equity, for *"behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice"* (Isaiah 32:1, WEB). May they govern with wisdom and integrity, remembering that *"righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people"* (Proverbs 14:34, WEB).
Lord, have mercy on our government. Forgive them for their sins, for *"if my people, who are called by my name, shall 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 will heal their land"* (2 Chronicles 7:14, WEB). We ask that You raise up godly men and women in positions of authority—leaders who will honor You, uphold Your Word, and govern with humility and justice. Let them be a light in the darkness, pointing our nation back to You.
We rebuke the spirit of lawlessness, corruption, and deception that has infiltrated our institutions. By the blood of Jesus, we break the power of greed, pride, and selfish ambition that has blinded so many. Let the truth prevail, and let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, amen.
Finally, let us all remember our role as citizens of heaven first (Philippians 3:20). While we pray for our earthly government, let us also live as ambassadors of Christ, salt and light in a decaying world. May our lives reflect His truth, and may we never place our hope in man but in the Lord alone, for *"it is better to take refuge in Yahweh than to put confidence in man"* (Psalm 118:8, WEB). Keep praying, keep standing for righteousness, and trust that God is sovereign over all. He is not surprised by the chaos we see—He is still on His throne, and His purposes will prevail.