Thursday Devotion and Prayer. May 25, 2023
“National Unrest”
“That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:20-21
Politics seems to rock any nation. They are very important. We in America have the right to vote, have opinions, and the freedom to speak and live. However, it appears the enemy can wreak havoc easily through political parties and cause us to miss the main leader we follow as Christians. I am not saying we should be passive about political issues. However, with the climate of such strong division and hate, we, as Christ’s followers, are called to represent Jesus in all things and to love and lead in ways that honor Him.
We need to ask, “Do I care if that person on that side of the voting line goes to heaven?” Do we hate other people? Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to pray for them. If you or I consider someone in the opposing political party an enemy, then we are commanded by God to love them and pray for them. Matthew 5:44 says, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” We are not called to agree with them but to love them like Jesus.
Heavenly Father,
Please help us. You tell us in Mark 12:17 to give the government what is theirs and what is Yours to You. We pray for the Spirit’s strength to honor You and be respectful. Please provide us with discernment. Help us to be aware of how the devil is working. Where there is genuine concern for our nation, open doors to voice opinions and solutions in a Christ-honoring way. Where there is division and uncertainty, give us Your peace and awareness. We know ultimately that You are on the throne, and we can trust in You. Help us to honor You above all else. Psalm 29:2 says to give You the glory due to Your name and to worship You in the beauty of your holiness.” You are above all. We trust in You.
Father, we pray against deceit, fraud, abuse, and greed. We pray for honest leaders, people of integrity, and those who value You to be strong. We ask for the believers in offices to represent You well. Help them to stand firm and be a light in this dark place. Keep them pure from the saturation of evil. Give them the boldness to speak the truth in love.
We pray against the unrest and the evil our nation is constantly facing. We ask for help navigating these things. Father, bless us with physical safety and guard our hearts and minds. We pray for any radicals to be stopped ahead of time before doing anything dangerous or harmful to others. Send your angels to block their attacks. We pray for justice and equality across the board, for accountability for illegal and sinful actions on all sides. God, we pray for better morals. May this lack of respect and kindness reveal the evil human heart and our sin-filled world, pointing to the need for You, Jesus, our Savior.
We pray for leaders who do not know You to accept You as Savior and Lord. Please send the gospel message to them and open the eyes of those who do not have you. You say in Romans 5:8, “There is no sin that is too much for him to forgive. His grace runs deeper than your sin.” We know that no one here on this earth who is ever too far gone from Your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for not giving up on us. Help us not to give up on others. Move the hearts in our nation back to You, Jesus. Reveal where we have turned away. Show us how we can live for You and love well. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
