Day 13: Ask for Our Country

Come Before Him in Worship: How great and mighty is our God! All rulers and powers both seen and unseen (in this earthly realm and in the spiritual realm) are subject to Him. Are you anxious or troubled when you look at the world around you? Take a moment to reorient your heart to this truth—He has overcome the world! Tell Him your fears and worries and allow Him to speak truth over every area of your mind. Ask Him to give you His perspective today.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Devotion: Daniel 2:21 says that God “removes kings and sets up kings.” Romans 13:1 says, “there is no authority except that which God has established.” We see often in the Old Testament that God has a purpose and plan in raising up and bringing down kingdoms. But we also see that, when His people are in distress, and repent and cry out to Him, He comes in power to save! King Jehoshaphat, for example, prayed in 2 Chronicles 20:12, when many were coming against him, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” God came and delivered Jehosaphat (and God’s people) in a mighty way in response to that prayer!

We see in 1 Timothy 2 above, that government which allows Christians to live peaceful and quiet lives, pleases God. So Paul urges us, therefore, not to complain or to fret, but to pray for leaders that will allow us to do that. In our country today, much seems dark, divided and hopeless, and we sometimes feel like Jehoshaphat, who did not know what to do. But let us place our eyes on our heavenly Father, who holds all in the palm of His hand, humble ourselves and pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. For, when we do that, our Father promises that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Respond in Prayer: O Lord, Your throne is established from before the foundations of the earth and Your kingdom is eternal. Do I trust Your sovereign authority? Do I trust that You have allowed our leaders to be placed in these positions according to Your will? Father, give them wisdom as they lead! If they know You, give them courage to lead boldly in ways that honor You and glorify Your name. If they have not come to know You yet, would You reveal Yourself to them? Surround our leaders with godly men and women who will give wise counsel.