The prayers of the people lift a country
In a time like this, not praying is not an option. Our country is in great change and decline. The only thing that can pay for it is our prayers.…
In a time like this, there is no alternative to not praying. Our country is in great change and decline. The only thing that can pay for it is our prayers. Praying for leaders, royalty, and governments has never been more important. We see how leaders fall because they do not have heavenly protection behind them. And whose responsibility is it to give them this protection? It is right that we should pray for our pastors and leaders. It is equally right that we should pray for national leaders, royalty, and presidents – yes, even those with whom we are at odds politically. Perhaps especially dictators and those we think are beyond God's reach. How else will their hearts turn to God if God's people do not humble themselves and pray?
In Kristent Ressurssenter came the idea of praying for royal families, world leaders, politicians, various influences, pop stars and athletes, Jewish and Palestinian leaders. IS and other terrorist organizations. In addition to Christian leaders in all sectors. We mention them by name every Monday, as the first thing we do before we start the week's tasks. If we are serious about change, we must start by exercising influence in the spiritual. How else will God give us his mandate, if we are not aware of our position?
We like to pray for those close to us and whom we know personally. It costs us to use our prayer time to pray for those who seem beyond our reach. At the same time, this is also where our faith grows – this is where we show that we are serious and begin to love them. Our highest goal must be to make enemies into friends in our hearts. That we pray for leaders before their names appear on the news, that we have already interceded for countries and people. Rather than drowning in the news and discussing outcomes, we can actually enter the throne and ask for God’s favor and grace, and thereby change next week’s headlines.
Our own royal family is in trouble. What is our response? Do we choose to criticize, or do we hold them up in prayer? The circumstances may be objectionable, but it is not our job to express our opinion, it is to pray that they be preserved.
In Norway, the royal family has been a focal point for community, tradition, and dignity. Their role is both symbolic and human. They represent the country externally, and they meet people in sorrow and joy, and they often carry words and actions that instill hope and community in the nation. At the same time, they are like all other people, who know responsibility, choices, pressure, and vulnerability.
When we hold our country’s leaders in prayer, we do so because the Bible calls us to take on this responsibility. In 1 Timothy 2:1–2 it says:
«First of all, I urge that prayers, intercessions, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.»
This invites us to hold them up in care, not expectations. Behind every official title is a family with joys, challenges, relationships and phases of life. Pray for love, unity, rest and space to be yourself. Pray that our royal family will be a blessing. That their words, actions and presence can create hope, peace and good meeting points for the country – regardless of political issues.
May God strengthen and preserve our royal family. May he give them wisdom in their duties, security in their responsibilities, and love in their homes. May they be empowered to carry out their roles without losing themselves, and may their lives be surrounded by peace, joy, and grace. God bless the Kingdom of Norway!
