Day 8 - Wisdom and Direction for Government Leaders

First of all, then, I urge that supplication, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Governing is hard. Just ask anyone who has run a business or managed an organization. Ask anyone who has managed a family. Good governance requires attention to detail, leadership, commitment, and a fair amount of instinct. This is one reason Paul told us to pray for those in leadership.

The Bible reminds us that governments are instituted by God for our good. Human society needs laws, organization, and common commitments. From the beginnings of civilizations, people have realized this. Israel’s desire for a king was a reflection of their need for more structure and organization in their national life.

Part of the emphasis of the Protestant Reformation was that those in government were responsible to God. Before then, kings and emperors were often a law unto themselves. The law did not apply to them. The reformers rejected this view. All people were accountable to God. Those in leadership had an even greater responsibility and accountability because their actions impacted many others.

It has been said that when God judges a nation, he gives them wicked leaders. We should pray for our leaders and all who govern on a local, state, and national level. In this election season, we should especially pray for wisdom as a nation in the selection of our leaders. Much depends on our nation’s leadership. The Old Testament illustrates this. When the kings were good and led well, the people prospered. When the kings were wicked, the people suffered.

Today pray for wisdom and direction for government leaders at all levels. Pray that our nation will have wisdom in our upcoming time of voting and for fairness and order in our elections.