SCRIPTURE FOCUS
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity (NLT).
PRAYER FOCUS
February is a month in which our nation celebrates President’s Day and which contains the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The Scripture focus for today urges us to pray for those in authority over us. Praying for our leaders puts into motion God’s plans and purposes for good government in order that “we can live peaceful and quiet lives.” Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.” We can pray for all levels of government - federal, state, county, and municipal – with confidence, trusting that the LORD can guide those officials to make decisions that will result in our having peaceful and quiet lives.
RESPONSE
Today, let’s ask the LORD to move in the hearts of the President and all in the executive branch. Pray that he be surrounded with godly counsel and that unwise counsel will fall to the ground. Pray for the members of Congress – that they make laws and pass legislation that would be in line with the heart and mind of God. Pray for the judicial branch of government – the Supreme Court and all lower courts – that justice and wisdom would occur for all.
Pray for the protection of all law enforcement officers, first responders, and military personnel. Finally, let’s give thanks for those that are in authority. Praying for our authorities does not necessarily mean we approve of all their actions. Rather, we acknowledge that our trust is in the LORD to provide the “peaceful and quiet lives” the Scripture promises.