The Ministry of Intercession - Day 17 - Pray for Kings and Rulers

Photo taken from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/427560558343517884/

Paul encourages us to pray for kings and rulers that we may live a quiet and godly life. 

It may seem impossible that the prayer of one christian or a few christians can change the direction of a nation. But it has happened before and can happen again. 

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, - 1 Timothy 2:1-3

When changing the direction of a nation through prayer it works different than democracy where the majority rules. In prayer it is not just a numbers game. When the hearts of people are stirred and they lift up prayer in faith God's heart is moved and He then moves the heart of rulers and kings. 

The image of incense before God is from Revelation 8:3-5. 

3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,

4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Smoking is no longer viewed as positively because of the health issues related to smoking. Smoke comes when something is given over and it will be consumed in the process. In the old testament it was a sign of something being sacrified and pleasant to God. 

When our hearts is stirred and we in faith lift up our petitions to God we sacrifice our time and will to Him it will be like incense to Him.

Therefore let your heart be stirred with thanksgiving and petitions for our rulers, locallly, regionally, and nationally, and internationally. Ask God to move their heart in a godly direction that we may have a peaceful and godly country to live in. 

Also, share it with others, that they may be stirred and their prayer will go up before God.