4/26/24

National Day of Prayer for the Government

2 Chronicles 7:14 says “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” In 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Paul urges us, “…to pray for all people. Asking God to help them; to intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for … all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity,”


Heavenly Father, Creator of all, draw near to us as we draw near to you. Sovereign ruler over the universe, You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and Your promises are steadfast and true. We praise You for Your justice, mercy, and righteousness that fill the earth.


Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross, making a way for us to enter Your kingdom. We open the door of our hearts to You, our Prince of Peace, You have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Fill every part of us with light, we leave nothing hidden from you. Forgive us Lord, we receive your grace and see our shame and guilt carried away by Your living water. Help us all to live as faithful citizens of Your eternal kingdom, in the resurrection power that is at work within us through the Holy Spirit.


Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, guide our thoughts, words, and actions. Stir in us a deep desire to seek Your face, to walk in humility and repentance, and to act justly in our communities. Empower us to be a light in the darkness, reflecting the love of Christ in every interaction and decision.


We pray for wisdom for all who govern, from our local city council here in Minneapolis to the state government in Minnesota, and up to the federal branches in Washington, D.C. May they govern with integrity and wisdom, seeking justice and peace, and promoting the welfare of all people.


We acknowledge, Lord, that all authority comes from You, and You place leaders in positions to govern Your people. Lord, bless each person in authority, equip them to act with ethical resolve and to foster a community where peace and justice flourish. We ask that Your will be done through their leadership and that they would be mindful of the least among us. Give us grateful hearts towards our government, to encourage and uphold them honorably, regardless of political or religious background.


Lord Jesus, as our ultimate authority and righteous judge, instill in these leaders the desire to serve faithfully and honorably. Let them remember the great responsibility they carry, not to wield power for their own benefit but to promote the good of all. Help them to render what is rightful to the laws of the land while never forgetting their ultimate accountability to You.


Holy Spirit, guide our leaders in Washington, Minnesota, and Minneapolis to be agents of peace, advocates for the poor, and defenders of justice. Encourage them to be steadfast in their duties, compassionate in their leadership, and bold in their advocacies for equity and the common good.


We pray for their protection, their families, and their advisors. May they be surrounded by wise counsel and uphold the values that bring life and hope to our communities. Let them not be led into temptation or deliver decisions borne out of selfish ambitions but let them seek the greater good that aligns with Your eternal principles.

We ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard the hearts and minds of those serving in government. Amen. Holy Scriptures 

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Psalm 22:28, John 19:11, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Titus 3:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-3,Matthew 22:21, Acts 5:29, Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 4:17, Isaiah 9:6-7, Philippians 3:20, Matthew 28:18, 1 Timothy 6:15, John 18:36

And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,

Daniel 4:17 ESV

The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’

Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Philippians 3:20 ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Proverbs 29:2 ESV

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Matthew 28:18 ESV 

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Proverbs 11:14 ESV

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

1 Timothy 6:15 ESV

Which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

John 18:36 ESV 

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

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