THANKFUL

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, you see what’s going on in our country? You see the hatred, chaos, bickering, lying—all those things you describe as character traits of our carnal flesh (Galatians 5:19–21). Our society is in shambles from the discord emanating from our heads of government. For those who do not know you, or worse, who refuse to acknowledge your sovereignty and existence, their hope rests with man. O Lord, how risky is that?

You haven’t left us dangling in uncertainty, without hope. You’ve instructed our behavior in times like this:

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live ” (1 Timothy 2:1–3).

When your people pray in faith, you move on our behalf. Help us discipline ourselves to seek you faithfully. Help us pray for those, especially politicians, who drive us nuts with their arrogance and underhanded tactics. Help us pray for those in government to govern with godly wisdom and honesty. This is most difficult when the politicians and bureaucrats are people we don’t like, let alone love. You didn’t command us to pray for only those we like, but to pray for all “rulers” and those in power. In your wisdom, you’ve made it difficult for us to remain mad at people when we’re praying for their salvation.

And may we be faithful in prayer for our loved ones facing medical and physical issues that are beyond them. May our prayers for the cure of whatever diseases may afflict them be seasoned with petitions of healing for them not only in body, but also healing in their mind, emotions, will, soul and spirit. Be the God of mercy and grace they call upon in their distress.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, Jesus. Amen.