Wed 22nd April Bible reading and prayer guide! (Click “read more” below)

Praying for the government: please first read Romans 13:1-7 as a platform for prayer

(Adapted from 5 things to pray in a Global Crisis by Rachel Jones)

1/ ESTABLISHED BY GOD “The authorities that exist have been established by God” v1

A crisis like this shows how important a stable government is. The Bible teaches that government is a gift from God for our good. So thank him for it and thank him for your nation’s leaders by name.
Pray for those countries (often third world), who are struggling to cope because of poor government. Many of our missionaries are in third world countries, pray for them now.

2/ WILLING SUBMISSION “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities” v1

While many of struggle with having our freedom curtailed, Christians should be exemplary in the way they follow the rules. Not because we fear a social media shaming, but “as a matter of conscience,” because it honours God v5. So ask him to help you submit to your governments regulations at this time: willingly, completely and even joyfully. Then pray that by God’s grace the whole society will submit to authority for the sake of one another.

3/ WORKING FOR GOOD “The one in authority is God’s servant for God.” V4

Pray for your government as it seeks to work for the good of your nation. Every day there are many hard decisions with no easy answers and no guaranteed outcomes. How are leaders need wisdom, so ask him to grant it to them.
Pray that Christians in government and in key leadership roles in NHS situations will be shining lights with their lives shining brightly for Christ in these dark days.

4/ LIMITING WRONG “They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” V4

Pray for the police and other authorities as they seek to enforce regulations. Ask God to help them act in a way that is measured but effective, so that the vulnerable will be protected. More broadly pray that this will be a time when evil is not able to flourish or the weak are able to be oppressed. But that God would work through human agents to uphold justice. Give thanks for Christian policemen that you know!

5/ OWED RESPECT “Give to everyone what you owe them, if respect, respect, if honour, honour.” V7

Repent of any recent time when you have spoken of any of your leaders in a way that was disrespectful. Ask God to change your heart and guard your mouth. Honour your leaders by praying for them by name now.
Pray that amidst this corona crisis we “God’s beloved children” will continue to make it our greatest goal to bring glory and honour to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in all we do and say!