Praying for Governmental Leaders

  At the end of Paul's letter to the Ephesians we saw that he was asking them to pray for him.  In his first letter to Timothy he gives some instructions for prayer.  "I urge  . . . that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we might live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness"  (1 Tim 2:1-2).
  The leaders of the U.S. don't make it into my prayers every day, but they certainly should.  In addition to praying for the wisdom to govern, we should be praying for their salvation because, as Paul goes on to remind Timothy, God "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:4-5).  If we want to live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness, we need leaders who believe we should be allowed to do so and who will work to see that it happens.

  For reflection:  For which governmental leader(s) shall I pray today?  Are there leaders of other countries for whom I should be praying?
  Let us pray.  King of kings, Lord of lords, Ruler of the universe, Almighty God and Father of all, we desire to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  We thank you for our leaders.  We know that you love them as your children.  If they do not know you, we ask that someone be sent to bring them to the knowledge of your love for them.  We ask you to inspire them with paths to peace and not war, and the best decisions that can be made for the welfare of the people entrusted to them.

Note:  I am taking a few days off from blogging, the phone line and the email prayer requests.  Other members of Manna Prayer will be posting and checking the phone and email.  I will see you again in October.  I'd also like to remind you that under "Prayer Resources" on the website there is a prayer for anyone you think might be dangerous to himself or others.  It is my strong belief that with prayer we can avert mass shootings and suicides.  --  Alice

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