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We Can Do this the Easy Way or the Hard Way

Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, there are things that happen in Washington that probably frustrate or upset you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of complaining about how our federal government works—or doesn’t. That’s the easy way. The hard way is to actually do something about it. And as followers of Jesus, one thing we can do is pray for those in positions of authority—something the apostle Paul exhorted believers to do:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2: 1,2).

What should we pray for people in authority? Here are seven suggestions to get you started. Try praying one of these each day for one week.
  1. That they be God fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act (Proverbs 9:10).
  2. That they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (James 1:5).
  3. That they recognize their own inadequacy and seek the will of God (Proverbs 3:5–8, Luke 11:9–13).
  4. That they heed their conscience, confess their sins, and repent (Proverbs 28:13, James 4:8).
  5. That they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ (Psalm 19:7–11, John 8:31,32).
  6. That they be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors (Proverbs 24:6).
  7. That they have courage to resist manipulation, pressure, and the fear of man (Proverbs 29:25, 2 Timothy 1:7).
From 30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority, by Gary P. Bergel, ©2002. Excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #13. Used by permission of NavPress. To purchase copies of this prayer guide go to http://tinyurl.com/prayauthority.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/prayauthority
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