We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up those who are suffering due to the turmoil and instability caused by government shutdowns and financial distress. The Word of God reminds us in Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God." While we acknowledge that God is sovereign over all authorities, we also recognize that human decisions can bring hardship, and we stand in the gap for those who are bearing the weight of these consequences.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of confusion, disorder, and financial destruction that has come as a result of these shutdowns. We declare that Your hand of provision and restoration is upon those who are struggling—those who have lost wages, faced delays, or seen their dreams deferred. We pray for the poor, the unemployed, and the families who are suffering, asking that You would open doors of opportunity and provide for their needs according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Lord, we ask that You would intervene in the hearts of those in authority, granting them wisdom, humility, and a desire to serve the people rather than their own agendas.
We also lift up those who are experiencing fear, anxiety, and despair in this season. Your Word tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." We pray that You would replace their fear with faith, their worry with trust, and their despair with hope. Let them feel Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) as they navigate these challenges.
Lord Jesus, we thank You that You are the Prince of Peace and the Restorer of all things. We ask that You would bring order where there is chaos, provision where there is lack, and healing where there is brokenness. We declare that no weapon formed against Your people shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we stand on Your promise that You will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Strengthen the faith of those who are weary, and let them see Your hand at work in their lives.
We also pray for the families affected by this crisis—those who have had to cancel plans, delay dreams, or face uncertainty. Father, we ask that You would comfort them and remind them that their hope is in You alone. Help them to trust in Your timing and to seek You first in all things (Matthew 6:33). We rebuke the spirit of poverty and lack, declaring that Your people are blessed and highly favored (Psalm 5:12).
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would raise up godly leaders who will govern with integrity, justice, and a heart for the people. Let Your will be done in the halls of power, and may Your name be glorified in all the earth. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we are saved and the only name through which we have access to You. Amen.
