Seek Your City's GoodSample

The power of prayer

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, or kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

The prosperity of a city or nation is greatly influenced by its political leaders. Bad and selfish leadership can cause a whole country to collapse, whereas wise and righteous politicians are an enormous blessing. However, the most important thing is not the leaders’ wisdom and sincere devotion to the well-being of their country but the prayers that godly men and women (both those in high positions and ‘ordinary citizens’) offer up to God on behalf of their city and country.

A people can only prosper by God’s blessing. As Psalm 127 says,

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

We can expand this truth to economies, cultures, and societies. No matter how hard people try, they can’t succeed without God’s blessing. Therefore, every Christian is called to pray “for all people," especially for those in leadership positions. If these people have a living relationship with the Lord themselves, they need our prayer support to endure and be godly leaders. If they don’t serve God, we can nevertheless pray that God will guide them to make good decisions.

Do you serve your city or nation through faithful prayer?