Prayer for our government and leaders
Use this when the news makes you want to complain about your leaders and you would rather pray for them.
Updated
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A prayer
Original writing, not a quotation of Scripture.
Lord, you tell us to pray for those in authority, including the ones we didn't vote for and the ones we disagree with. So I pray for the leaders of my city and my country. Give them wisdom, integrity, and a concern for the poor and the powerless.
Restrain what is corrupt. Let justice and peace grow, and let us live quiet lives of faith. Keep my own heart free of contempt, whatever the headlines say.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
More prayers for our leaders and government
For the people who write our laws
Bless the people who write our laws. Give them patience to read the fine print and the nerve to turn down money that comes with strings. Remind them that every page they sign lands on a real family at a real kitchen table.
For judges and police
God of justice, steady the judges in our courts and the officers on our streets, and let a poor person get the same hearing as a rich one. Keep the powerful from bending the rules, and keep the rest of us from cheering when the bending favors our side.
When I disagree with them
The people running things right now are not my choice, and I'm not shy about saying so. You asked me to pray for them anyway, so here I am, Jesus. Soften my tone online and at the dinner table, and when I have to speak up, let it come without contempt.
For peace in our country
Prince of Peace, we are tired of shouting at each other. Cool the heat in our cities. Give neighbors on opposite sides a reason to talk over the fence, and let our leaders choose the harder, quieter way toward peace. Amen.
Bible verses for our leaders and government
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.
Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”
The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings, and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.
God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son. He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.