31 Days of Praying Over Political Unrest and Corruption

My heart is heavy every day as I watch our current administration lead with arrogance, retaliation, and lack of Godly character. I’ve started praying through 31 Days of Praying Over Political Unrest and Corruption: Seeking God’s Justice, Wisdom, and Peace (at aspireinhope.com) as a way to focus on the sovereignty of God over human leaders and seek His intervention in their lives. My prayer is that He would bring them to humbleness and a saving knowledge of Jesus. 

Mostly, I want the Lord to be glorified instead of a fake political messiah. I truly want Trump to come to the Lord and lead with Biblical integrity and wisdom instead of vindictiveness and pride; to lead according to Micah 6:8 - “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

From the Aspire in Hope blog author: 

“As you complete these 31 days of prayer over political unrest and corruption, remember that God is sovereign over all nations, and His justice and righteousness will prevail. While we may see turmoil and injustice in the world, we can trust that God’s plan is unfolding and that He hears our prayers for peace, truth, and integrity. Continue to lift up leaders, governments, and nations to the Lord, trusting that He is working all things for His glory.

May these prayers continue to guide you as you seek God’s wisdom and justice in times of political unrest, and may you find peace in knowing that He is in control.”

Here are the first 10 days of prayer. Click the link above for the rest.

• Day 1: Praying for God’s Sovereignty Over Political Leaders
  Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are sovereign over all nations and rulers. I pray that You would guide the hearts of political leaders and establish Your will in the governance of our nation. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Proverbs 21:1)
• Day 2: Praying for Wisdom in Leadership
  Heavenly Father, I lift up those in positions of leadership and authority. Grant them wisdom to lead with integrity, fairness, and righteousness. May they seek Your guidance in their decisions. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (James 1:5)
• Day 3: Praying for Justice to Prevail
  Heavenly Father, I ask that justice would prevail in the midst of political unrest and corruption. Expose the darkness, and let Your truth and righteousness shine in places of power. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Isaiah 1:17)
• Day 4: Praying for Peace Amid Unrest
  Heavenly Father, I pray for peace in regions facing political unrest. Calm the hearts of those affected, and bring about unity and reconciliation among the people. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Philippians 4:7)
• Day 5: Praying for Corruption to Be Exposed
  Heavenly Father, I ask that You expose the corruption that plagues governments and leadership. Bring light to the darkness, and remove those who misuse their power for selfish gain. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Luke 8:17)
• Day 6: Praying for Protection of the Vulnerable
  Heavenly Father, I lift up the vulnerable populations who are most affected by political unrest and corruption. Protect them from harm, and provide for their needs as they face uncertainty. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Psalm 82:3-4)
• Day 7: Praying for Integrity in Leadership
  Heavenly Father, I pray that leaders in government would act with integrity and humility. Remove any corruption or dishonesty from their hearts, and replace it with a desire to serve the people with honor. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Proverbs 10:9)
• Day 8: Praying for Unity Among People
  Heavenly Father, I pray for unity among the people in our nation, despite political differences. Help us to work together for the common good, and let peace reign in our communities. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Ephesians 4:3)
• Day 9: Praying for Freedom from Oppression
  Heavenly Father, I ask for freedom for those who are oppressed by corrupt governments and unjust systems. Break the chains of injustice, and bring liberation to those who are suffering. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Psalm 9:9)
• Day 10: Praying for Truth to Be Upheld
  Heavenly Father, I pray that truth would be upheld in government and politics. Let falsehoods and lies be exposed, and may those in leadership commit to truth and transparency. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (John 8:32)

The Proper Context of “Be still and know that I am God”.

The true meaning of “be still and know that I am God” is not to seek God in meditation or silence, but rather to quit fretting, worrying, and striving in the midst of trouble or fear and instead embrace who God is in the midst of it. Psalm 46 in its entirety puts the phrase into proper context. 

1God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging. 

4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

11The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Words Matter

 Being careful of my words is probably my biggest challenge, whether spoken or written. I often speak before considering the impact of my words. I have an opinion about everything but am learning that just because something can be said doesn’t mean it should. 

As I continue to read Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul David Tripp, the June 9 reading based on Proverbs 10 and 11 spoke to me:

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” -Ephesians 4:28

“He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.” - Proverbs 21:23

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

 I’m reading Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul Tripp this year. This excerpt from January 9 resonated with me, especially after the outcome of the election and what a Trump presidency may mean for our country. It concerns me and I wonder what God is up to allowing him to be in power but what really matters is while I do not trust Trump, I can trust the Lord. I can rest in the knowledge that He is in control and whatever He allows is for His greater purpose. Everything the Lord does is worthy of my trust so I can be at peace that no man can do anything outside of God’s ultimate will and plan even if I don’t understand how it plays out at the time.