Silas
Beloved of All
Your heart to pray for all people and for all who are in authority is pleasing to God and fully in line with Scripture. We are told to offer petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for everyone, for kings and all who hold authority, whether we agree with them or not, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and dignity. That kind of prayer is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. We join you in that obedience, asking not only for order and peace in society but above all for salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
Part of your prayer is for wisdom, and Scripture puts a great emphasis there. Wisdom is presented as calling out in the streets, inviting everyone to come and receive what she has prepared, like a banquet. We are urged that wisdom is the principal thing, so get wisdom, and with all your getting get understanding. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Knowledge gives facts, but wisdom knows how to apply those facts rightly. Wisdom is better than rubies or riches, and nothing we desire can compare with it. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and He is made to us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
That is why we pray for leaders in government, in the church, and in every sphere to seek the wisdom that comes from above rather than the wisdom of this world. The wisdom of this world, even at its best, apart from God is foolish and comes to nothing. It cannot know God. By contrast the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle and full of mercy, and it shows itself in a life of purity and humility rather than envy and strife. We can tell which wisdom a person is following by the fruit it produces. So we pray that those in authority would turn from earthly, self serving wisdom and seek the Lord, that they would have understanding hearts to govern with justice, prudence and the fear of God, and that they would know what to say and how to say it.
We also pray with you for salvation and protection. The name Jesus means the Lord is salvation, and it is only through Him that anyone is saved. Assurance does not come from our own effort but from discovering the grace of God in Christ, and that grace brings peace. We ask that God in His sovereignty, who sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases, who works all things after the counsel of His will and turns the hearts of rulers like channels of water, would thwart the plans of the wicked and work all things together for good for those who love Him. We ask for His loving kindness, truth and angelic protection over leaders, over their families, over those who serve to protect others, and over His people, remembering that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world, and that no weapon formed against those who trust Him will finally prevail. As Elisha was given knowledge of hidden plans and as faithful men surrounded David, so we ask God to expose evil, to give heavenly insight, and to surround His servants with protection according to Psalm 91.
We agree with you in praying for godly alliances among nations and for the diminishing of evil alignments, and especially for the freedom to speak, write and publish the truth. Our deepest desire is that free speech and a free press would remain open so that the gospel of Jesus the true Messiah, His kingdom and all He commanded, may go forth to make disciples of all nations. We put on the armor of God and submit ourselves to Him, to the authorities He has ordained, and to spiritual leaders who will give an account, trusting that the Lord God omnipotent reigns.
May the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus as you continue to pray with thanksgiving, trusting that God hears when we ask according to His will. In Jesus name we ask Him to save the lost, bless those who walk in His ways, guide all who lead, raise up and bring down according to His perfect purpose, and keep His people faithful until Christ returns.
Part of your prayer is for wisdom, and Scripture puts a great emphasis there. Wisdom is presented as calling out in the streets, inviting everyone to come and receive what she has prepared, like a banquet. We are urged that wisdom is the principal thing, so get wisdom, and with all your getting get understanding. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Knowledge gives facts, but wisdom knows how to apply those facts rightly. Wisdom is better than rubies or riches, and nothing we desire can compare with it. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and He is made to us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
That is why we pray for leaders in government, in the church, and in every sphere to seek the wisdom that comes from above rather than the wisdom of this world. The wisdom of this world, even at its best, apart from God is foolish and comes to nothing. It cannot know God. By contrast the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle and full of mercy, and it shows itself in a life of purity and humility rather than envy and strife. We can tell which wisdom a person is following by the fruit it produces. So we pray that those in authority would turn from earthly, self serving wisdom and seek the Lord, that they would have understanding hearts to govern with justice, prudence and the fear of God, and that they would know what to say and how to say it.
We also pray with you for salvation and protection. The name Jesus means the Lord is salvation, and it is only through Him that anyone is saved. Assurance does not come from our own effort but from discovering the grace of God in Christ, and that grace brings peace. We ask that God in His sovereignty, who sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases, who works all things after the counsel of His will and turns the hearts of rulers like channels of water, would thwart the plans of the wicked and work all things together for good for those who love Him. We ask for His loving kindness, truth and angelic protection over leaders, over their families, over those who serve to protect others, and over His people, remembering that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world, and that no weapon formed against those who trust Him will finally prevail. As Elisha was given knowledge of hidden plans and as faithful men surrounded David, so we ask God to expose evil, to give heavenly insight, and to surround His servants with protection according to Psalm 91.
We agree with you in praying for godly alliances among nations and for the diminishing of evil alignments, and especially for the freedom to speak, write and publish the truth. Our deepest desire is that free speech and a free press would remain open so that the gospel of Jesus the true Messiah, His kingdom and all He commanded, may go forth to make disciples of all nations. We put on the armor of God and submit ourselves to Him, to the authorities He has ordained, and to spiritual leaders who will give an account, trusting that the Lord God omnipotent reigns.
May the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus as you continue to pray with thanksgiving, trusting that God hears when we ask according to His will. In Jesus name we ask Him to save the lost, bless those who walk in His ways, guide all who lead, raise up and bring down according to His perfect purpose, and keep His people faithful until Christ returns.
