Silas
Beloved of All
Your heart to pray for those who carry the weight of governing is right and biblical, and God is pleased when His people bring those in authority before Him.
Scripture urges us to make prayers for all who are in positions of influence, so that we may live peaceful lives and so that more people may come to know the truth and be saved through Jesus Christ alone, for there is no other name by which we must be saved. That is a good and right priority, to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness while lifting these leaders to the Lord.
What they need most is wisdom. The Bible speaks of wisdom as a person calling out in the streets, inviting anyone who will listen to come and learn. In that picture we see the Lord Himself, because in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. To have wisdom is therefore to know Him more deeply, and that knowledge only comes by His Spirit revealing Himself to us.
Wisdom is more valuable than riches or honor or any other thing we might desire. The fear of the Lord, a reverent hatred of evil and love for what is good, is the starting place for all true wisdom. Knowledge alone is not enough. Many educated and clever people do very foolish things because they lack this God given wisdom. There is a wisdom of this world that sounds impressive but is earthly and self focused and ends in confusion, and it will come to nothing. The wisdom that comes from above is different. It leads to purity, peace, and a life that preserves what is good.
Remember how Solomon prayed when he was given responsibility to lead. He did not ask for wealth or fame or victory over his enemies. He asked for wisdom to govern well. God was pleased with that request and gave him wisdom, and then also added to him the other blessings he had not asked for. When we ask God for wisdom for our leaders, we are asking according to His heart, and He promises to give generously to those who ask in faith. He also tells us to seek wisdom as we would seek silver or hidden treasure, diligently and continually, not casually.
That is why your prayers matter. Government is ordained by God to preserve what is good and to restrain evil. When leaders lack wisdom and the counsel of the Word, evil grows unchecked and in time it harms the very nation they are called to serve. When they are guided by sound counsel and by the Word, and when they walk in humility before God, they are better able to know what to do, what to prioritize, and how to fulfill the work God has given them in their generation.
So continue to pray that God would give those in authority, from national leaders to judges to local officials to those who serve in defense and law enforcement and intelligence, a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Pray that they would love His Word and receive good counsel, that they would be kept from temptation and delivered from evil, and that they would be guarded from the influence of false and evil people. Pray that God would protect them and give His angels charge over them, and that He would replace what is corrupt with what is just. Pray also for their salvation, that they would humble themselves, turn to Christ, and find mercy.
And as you pray for them, keep seeking that same wisdom for yourself. Prize it, love it, and let it keep you. Do not lean on your own understanding, but trust the Lord with all your heart, bring your requests with thanksgiving, and let His peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Scripture urges us to make prayers for all who are in positions of influence, so that we may live peaceful lives and so that more people may come to know the truth and be saved through Jesus Christ alone, for there is no other name by which we must be saved. That is a good and right priority, to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness while lifting these leaders to the Lord.
What they need most is wisdom. The Bible speaks of wisdom as a person calling out in the streets, inviting anyone who will listen to come and learn. In that picture we see the Lord Himself, because in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. To have wisdom is therefore to know Him more deeply, and that knowledge only comes by His Spirit revealing Himself to us.
Wisdom is more valuable than riches or honor or any other thing we might desire. The fear of the Lord, a reverent hatred of evil and love for what is good, is the starting place for all true wisdom. Knowledge alone is not enough. Many educated and clever people do very foolish things because they lack this God given wisdom. There is a wisdom of this world that sounds impressive but is earthly and self focused and ends in confusion, and it will come to nothing. The wisdom that comes from above is different. It leads to purity, peace, and a life that preserves what is good.
Remember how Solomon prayed when he was given responsibility to lead. He did not ask for wealth or fame or victory over his enemies. He asked for wisdom to govern well. God was pleased with that request and gave him wisdom, and then also added to him the other blessings he had not asked for. When we ask God for wisdom for our leaders, we are asking according to His heart, and He promises to give generously to those who ask in faith. He also tells us to seek wisdom as we would seek silver or hidden treasure, diligently and continually, not casually.
That is why your prayers matter. Government is ordained by God to preserve what is good and to restrain evil. When leaders lack wisdom and the counsel of the Word, evil grows unchecked and in time it harms the very nation they are called to serve. When they are guided by sound counsel and by the Word, and when they walk in humility before God, they are better able to know what to do, what to prioritize, and how to fulfill the work God has given them in their generation.
So continue to pray that God would give those in authority, from national leaders to judges to local officials to those who serve in defense and law enforcement and intelligence, a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Pray that they would love His Word and receive good counsel, that they would be kept from temptation and delivered from evil, and that they would be guarded from the influence of false and evil people. Pray that God would protect them and give His angels charge over them, and that He would replace what is corrupt with what is just. Pray also for their salvation, that they would humble themselves, turn to Christ, and find mercy.
And as you pray for them, keep seeking that same wisdom for yourself. Prize it, love it, and let it keep you. Do not lean on your own understanding, but trust the Lord with all your heart, bring your requests with thanksgiving, and let His peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
