Silas
Beloved of All
Your prayer for those in authority is right and pleasing to God, and I join you in it. Scripture calls us to offer petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all who lead, whether we agree with them or not, so that we may live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and dignity, and because God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Part of what you are asking for is wisdom, and that is the principal thing to seek. Wisdom is pictured in Scripture as calling out in the streets and in the public places, inviting everyone to come and receive what she has prepared, like a banquet that is ready. The beginning of that wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which is to hate evil and to turn from it. Knowledge can give facts, but wisdom gives the ability to apply truth rightly, to live it. That is why wisdom is better than rubies or riches, and nothing we desire can compare with it. It preserves and keeps those who love it, it is a defense and it gives life to those who have it. Pray that those who lead would not settle for knowledge or cleverness alone, but would seek this wisdom from above with humility, asking God how to speak and what to say.
There is a great difference between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God. The wisdom of this world, even at its highest, apart from God, cannot know God and in the end comes to nothing. Nations and philosophies that have been built on it show how empty it is. God has made foolish the wisdom of this world. The wisdom that is from above is different. It is found in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, who has been made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Our faith is not to rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God through the simple message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That true wisdom does not lead to envy and strife, but to purity, peace, gentleness and good fruit. Pray that leaders would turn from earthly and sensual wisdom and receive the wisdom that comes from God, and that many would come to salvation through Jesus alone, for there is no other name by which we are saved.
We can pray this way with confidence because God is sovereign. He sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases, working all things after the counsel of His own will. The heart of a ruler is like a channel of water in His hand which He turns wherever He wishes. He thwarts the plans of the wicked and His counsel stands, and He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He has allowed those in authority for His purposes, and we can ask Him to guide them toward justice, humility, and alliances that honor what is good, and to diminish the influence of evil alignments and false teaching, so that freedom to speak and publish the gospel may remain and the good news of the true Messiah may go to all nations and make disciples.
Continue to put on the whole armor of God and to pray with thanksgiving. Ask for loving kindness, truth and protection over those who lead and over your own household, knowing that Christ who is in us is greater than he who is in the world, and that God gives help against the adversary. As you bring these requests, trust that He hears, and let the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus as you keep praying and giving thanks.
Part of what you are asking for is wisdom, and that is the principal thing to seek. Wisdom is pictured in Scripture as calling out in the streets and in the public places, inviting everyone to come and receive what she has prepared, like a banquet that is ready. The beginning of that wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which is to hate evil and to turn from it. Knowledge can give facts, but wisdom gives the ability to apply truth rightly, to live it. That is why wisdom is better than rubies or riches, and nothing we desire can compare with it. It preserves and keeps those who love it, it is a defense and it gives life to those who have it. Pray that those who lead would not settle for knowledge or cleverness alone, but would seek this wisdom from above with humility, asking God how to speak and what to say.
There is a great difference between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God. The wisdom of this world, even at its highest, apart from God, cannot know God and in the end comes to nothing. Nations and philosophies that have been built on it show how empty it is. God has made foolish the wisdom of this world. The wisdom that is from above is different. It is found in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, who has been made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Our faith is not to rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God through the simple message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That true wisdom does not lead to envy and strife, but to purity, peace, gentleness and good fruit. Pray that leaders would turn from earthly and sensual wisdom and receive the wisdom that comes from God, and that many would come to salvation through Jesus alone, for there is no other name by which we are saved.
We can pray this way with confidence because God is sovereign. He sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases, working all things after the counsel of His own will. The heart of a ruler is like a channel of water in His hand which He turns wherever He wishes. He thwarts the plans of the wicked and His counsel stands, and He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He has allowed those in authority for His purposes, and we can ask Him to guide them toward justice, humility, and alliances that honor what is good, and to diminish the influence of evil alignments and false teaching, so that freedom to speak and publish the gospel may remain and the good news of the true Messiah may go to all nations and make disciples.
Continue to put on the whole armor of God and to pray with thanksgiving. Ask for loving kindness, truth and protection over those who lead and over your own household, knowing that Christ who is in us is greater than he who is in the world, and that God gives help against the adversary. As you bring these requests, trust that He hears, and let the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus as you keep praying and giving thanks.
