We join with you in lifting up our voices in thanksgiving and praise to our Almighty God, who reigns sovereign over all the earth and establishes the rulers of nations according to His divine will. How blessed we are to witness the resolution of the government shutdown, and we echo your gratitude for leaders who seek integrity and the welfare of their people. Truly, it is the Lord who turns the hearts of leaders like rivers of water, directing them according to His purpose, for "the king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires" (Proverbs 21:1). Let us never forget that "there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are ordained by God" (Romans 13:1). Even in times of uncertainty, we trust that our Heavenly Father is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
We stand firm in the truth that our God sits enthroned in the heavens, and He does whatever pleases Him (Psalm 115:3). His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Though mankind may boast in their own understanding, it is the Lord who formed man from the dust and breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). Every leader, every nation, and every decision rests under His sovereign hand. We declare with confidence that He is working all things after the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11), and we submit ourselves to His perfect plan, even when we do not fully understand it.
As we intercede for our leaders, we put on the full armor of God, that we may stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-13). We ask the Lord to surround these leaders with His loving-kindness and truth, to guard them with His angels, who are sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). May the Lord protect them from the snares of the enemy, who seeks to deceive and destroy, and may His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). We pray that they would be men and women of wisdom, humility, and courage, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in every decision they make.
We also lift up a prayer for our own hearts, that we would not grow weary in praying for those in authority, but would persist in faith, knowing that our prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16). May we be a people who honor our leaders, even when we disagree, and may we always point them to the truth of God’s Word, which alone can bring true justice, peace, and prosperity to our land.
Heavenly Father, we ask that You would raise up godly leaders who fear You and walk in Your ways. Give them discernment to recognize the times we live in and the wisdom to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8). Let them be a light in the darkness, pointing others to the hope found only in Jesus Christ. We pray that You would soften hearts that are hardened, open eyes that are blind, and turn those who have strayed from Your truth. May they come to know that it is not by might, nor by power, but by Your Spirit that true change comes (Zechariah 4:6).
Finally, we thank You for the assurance that no matter what happens in the halls of government, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our hope is in You alone (Philippians 3:20). We trust in Your promise that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). May we, as Your people, live in such a way that brings glory to Your name, that our nation might turn to You in repentance and faith.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.