Day 8: 31 Days of Prayer

Day 8: 31 Days of Prayer

Verse:

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4 - TB)

Reflection:

Every four years a new President is elected in the United States. Many emotions and fears fill people during election season, out of real concerns about what might happen. However, today is not about convincing you of a political opinion, but about taking a closer look at Paul’s advice to Timothy. And how we can learn from it. Paul urged Timothy to pray in every kind of way for all people. Then he added a specific part, namely to especially pray "for kings and for all those in authority." This is not an easy thing to do. How often should we pray for people in government? How often should we pray for the rulers of our country, or for the rulers of other countries? Although I cannot tell you what topics you should pray for in these prayers, I can strongly suggest that you devote specific and frequent time to pray for the current President, the next President, and everyone in the government and in the military who serves during his or her term of office. Although the President may not match your ideal political figure, he has an enormous impact on countless freedoms and policies within and beyond your country. The President does not have to be the person you chose, and they do not have to believe exactly what you believe. But for anyone who claims to be a Christian, it is good and pleasing to the Lord to pray for them. And this is God’s desire every year, regardless of which political party wins the election. Regardless of how much you agree or disagree with the policy. This can be very difficult for many people, but consider how different our “views” are from God’s. Yet He still loves us far more than we deserve. And He still gives us His Holy Spirit.

Challenge:

Pray for the President in your country. Pray for their salvation. Pray that they will make decisions with God’s help. Pray that they will lead your country in a way that continues to allow religious freedom, which has been in place for many years. Pray that they will not break any laws that would make Christianity in Indonesia dangerous (as in some other countries). Pray that you will be given the opportunity to live a peaceful life and shine brightly in a dark world. Pray for all the other nations around the world and that God will be glorified. Pray for foreign leaders from other nations, that God may be glorified regardless of the political condition of that country. Pray also for Christians in other countries, for their salvation and Christian teaching, and that their light will continue to shine brightly. Pray that this President’s term will lead more people to Christ. Please also consider reading Daniel chapter 9 in the Bible, paying attention to Daniel’s attitude and his prayer for the whole nation. Consider praying through that passage.

Translated from the article “31 Days of Prayer: Day 8” by Daniel Berk