It’s time to take a fresh look at a ministry of the Church, and individual Christians, which is often very underrated: prayer for the government. One of the most basic mandates for the Christian is to pray 'for kings and all who are in authority.' (Timothy 2:2)God intends His Church to exercise a decisive influence for good in the affairs of the nations. Now, perhaps more than ever before, we need to renew this commitment.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This is a revelation given by the Lord to Solomon after he had dedicated the temple. Some of you may have the attitude: that promise was spoken to Solomon a long time ago in the Old Testament and it does not have much meaning for us today. Let me deal with this objection briefly.
In 2 Corinthians 1:20 we read: “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” Not some of the promises—but all the promises! Not were, not will be—but are! Not merely Yes, but if you are still doubtful, Yes and Amen! in Him [Christ] to the glory of God through us. “Us” refers to all Christians, including you and me.
How do we glorify God? By claiming His promises! The more of God’s promises we claim, the more we glorify God. All God’s promises are available to us in Christ today.
Referring back to the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, you can see how this promise refers to you and me today! God speaks of “My people who are called by My name.” The literal Hebrew translation is: “My people upon whom My name is called.” God’s people are those upon whom His name is called. If you are a Christian, what does that mean? It means that the name of Christ is called upon you. You are associated with the name of Christ. You are identified as a Christian by the name of Christ. So this promise applies to Christians: God’s people upon whom the name of Christ is called. Now is the time to make a fresh commitment to prayer!
Father, I first want to thank You that the Name of Jesus was invoked on me, and that I may belong to Your people, redeemed by the blood of Your precious Son Jesus Christ.
Help me, by Your Holy Spirit, to understand in the days to come which responsibility You have given to Your Church, and to me personally, in this important area of prayer for the authorities. In the name of Jesus, amen!
