I have 3 prayers for our government

It is better to pray for governmental leaders — local, state, and national — than to criticize them. This doesn’t mean we always agree with their every action or condone legislative decisions contrary to biblical principles. It does mean, however, that we respect positions of authority (Hebrews 13:17), even if the one filling that position compromises God’s principles. As we humbly call on the Lord in prayer, He promises to raise up godly leaders and govern their hearts to rule our land (Daniel 2:20-21; 2 Chronicles 7:14).

Moreover, God’s Word encourages all Christians to be involved in making their nation a stronger, healthier place. Scripture tells us that praying for our leaders is one of the best ways we can do this. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV).

We invite you to use these prayers for our state and nation’s leaders as a starting place for your prayers. You could take a portion a day, or one section a week, or even schedule a full day of fasting and prayer. Go through it in its entirety, either on your own or with a group. Join us in prayer for our Government.

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1. A GOVERNMENT PRAYER FOR GODLY NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

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Praying for godly leaders is productive toward God’s plan and purpose for our cities and nation. The Bible says the heart of a king or any ruling person is in the hand of the Lord (Proverbs 21: 1). He can turn it however He wants, so your prayers are vital and effective. Join us in prayer for our Government.

“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.”

(Proverbs 28:2 NLT)

I ask You, Lord, to raise up leaders who are wise, godly, and discerning. I ask that they would know You personally and intimately and that the eyes of our leaders would become single-minded in knowing and following Your ways. Lord Jesus, open our hearts and the hearts of our leader’s to set apart this nation. Bring America to all You have designed her to be. Please help us understand that You have called this nation to be a model of godliness to the world. We want to grasp the immensity of Your glorious ways and ask that You use our leaders in accomplishing Your will.

We know that Your Word tells us that we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love Jerusalem shall prosper. We, therefore, pray for the peace of Jerusalem and its people, and pray that no leader in our nation will make any decision that will harm Jerusalem or Israel. Thank You for prospering our nation as You help us to do what is right in Your sight.

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2. A GOVERNMENT PRAYER FOR THE DIVINE GUIDANCE OF OUR PRESIDENT

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 “When people (or leaders) do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy.”

Proverbs 29:18 (NLT)

God, turn the President’s heart toward You at all times so that in the midst of the many voices he hears each day, he will hear Your voice far above all others. Guide him with Your Spirit in every situation and decision. God, You have said that “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally…” (James 1:5).

Therefore, on behalf of the President of the United States, I ask You to fill him with godly wisdom, discernment, and understanding for every decision he makes. Grant him a heart to represent Your godliness, goodness, and strength to the people of this nation. I pray he represents our country with wisdom to the other world leaders.

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3. GOVERNMENT PRAYER FOR WISE COUNSEL

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“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

Father God, I ask that You would surround our President with wise and godly counsel. We ask for men and women of godliness, justice, and integrity, who place Your agenda above their own and who seek Your face for direction for this nation. I ask that You would give the President and his cabinet Your discernment. We ask for understanding and knowledge over matters that concern this nation’s safety, and its laws and direction, so that we may know Your stability internally and abroad. I know that You establish leaders who are true, just, and upright to their people. People who seek justice in all matters (Proverbs 29:14).

Lead our President to do what is just and right for the people of this nation. Empower him to lead us in truthfulness and integrity. Secondly, Help him to build upon the solid Christian principles upon which this nation was founded. Your Word says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Bring the President and his advisors to do what is right and just in Your eyes. Show them what You want them to do. Moreover, guide them in all their decisions, and give them answers and solutions that lead us toward Your plans for this country.

In Jesus’ Name Amen

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Lastly, for more prayer-related posts from Cheryl, check out more posts on her blog here.