Spirit and Life Devotional is a daily publication by Pastor Chinaemerem Ibezim, senior pastor of Able Ministers Chapel, a church based in Calabar, Cross River State.
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV
Have you noticed that murmurings rarely change those in authority? Someone complained that the Nigerian president has been appointing mostly northerners, that is, people of his own ethnic group: he said, “The more we complain the more northerners he appoints! He’s not even listening.” Well, this is not about the rightness or wrongness of his actions but to prove that murmurings and grumblings achieve little or nothing.
Understand how powerful rulers are: the Bible says concerning kings in Ecclesiastes 8:4, “His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.” Now, you may argue that we are in a democratic society and not under a monarchical rule, but experience has shown that those in authority are often like demigods who do as they please.
That’s why we must pray! Prayer is talking to the King of kings about a king. Get it: Proverbs 21:1 says that “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” God is our best hope of changing situations and reversing unpleasant trends. That’s why we must pray! The truth is that some leaders sometimes want to do good but are restrained by forces, physical and spiritual, too strong and powerful. Hence, we must support them with our prayers. If we do not pray, then we must also begin to see ourselves as being responsible for their failures.
Prophetic Declaration
Father, according to Your word, we ask that You guide the hearts of our leaders to do only what is right and pleasing to You. Fill their hearts with Your wisdom, give them a heart for the people, make them bold and courageous to undertake projects and plans that will benefit the majority. We thank You because we know that You will do what we have asked, in Jesus name.
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