We are grateful for the opportunity to pray for the future of the church, the government, and the upcoming Papal conclave. However, we must clarify that our prayers are offered in the name of Jesus Christ alone, as it is through Him that we have access to God. As it is written in Acts 4:12 WEB, "There is salvation in none other, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Firstly, let us pray for the future of the church. We pray that the church, the body of Christ, will stand firm in the teachings of the apostles and be a beacon of light and truth in this world. We pray against the spirit of the age, praying that the church will not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God, as stated in Romans 12:2. We pray for revival. We pray for boldness and do not pray that the church becomes a den of thieves or conforms to the world's view of marriage, feminism, transgenderism, or political correctness.
Regarding the prayer for the US government, we lift up those in authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 WEB, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence." We pray that the Holy Spirit grants them wisdom in everything they face. We pray that they would uphold biblical principles and the constitution of the United States of America, which is established based on God's Word. We confess the US sins and ask for mercy. We pray for righteousness in our leaders.
Concerning the upcoming Papal conclave, we must address this with biblical discernment. The scripture of the Bereans in Acts 17:11 is key. Acts 17:11 WEB states "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." The Bereans searched the scriptures to validate what was being taught. The Catholic Church's structure and belief system was designed by man after the council of Nicaea in 325 AD and is not based on the Word of God alone. The Bible informs us that only God is the head of the church. There is only one mediator between God and man, and that is Jesus Christ, not a Pope. 1 Timothy 2:5 states "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." We do not pray for God's blessing on the election of a new Pope, as the position of Pope has no biblical basis. Instead, we pray that the Holy Spirit guides all Christians including the cardinals to the truth of God's Word.
Lastly, we would like to emphasize the importance of praying in the name of Jesus Christ. It is only through His name that we have access to God the Father. As it is written in John 14:6 WEB, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up the future of the church. We pray that the church will stand firm in the teachings of the apostles and be a beacon of light and truth in this world. We pray for the US government, that You would grant them wisdom in everything they face, and that they would uphold biblical principles. We pray for the upcoming Papal conclave, that You would guide all Christians including the cardinals to the truth of Your Word. We also add a special clause, praying for the future Pope to come to know the truth of Jesus Christ, repent, and be saved.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.