Lisa Sheffler, author

This week we’re focusing on a very practical thing we can do to bless our city, state, and nation. Pray for our leaders! Today and tomorrow, we’re going to consider some verses from Scripture that can guide our prayers.

Since we aren’t citizens of ancient Israel, we have to be careful not to apply every Old Testament passage about the nation of Israel directly to our own context. We can, however, allow the principles contained in those passages help us understand God’s will for humanity, and by extension our leaders.

Proverbs offers us wisdom on how to live in ways that honor God and promote human flourishing. By praying for authorities according to God’s wisdom as revealed in these Proverbs, we are asking God to shape our leaders so that they will govern wisely and justly.

Of course we share God’s desire as expressed in 1 Timothy 2:3-4. He wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth that Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity. So we should also pray that our leaders will come to know Jesus if they don’t already, and follow him more closely if they do.

Below you’ll find proverbs grouped by subject. Consider writing out a prayer for our government’s leaders using these proverbs to inspire you. Today, we’ll focus on our state’s leaders. You will find a link below to find their names.

Let’s pray for our leaders to:

Come to a saving knowledge of God

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

             -Proverbs 9:10

Grow in wisdom and be guided by God

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

            -Proverbs 3:13–18

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,  get understanding.

-Proverbs 4:6–7

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!

             -Proverbs 16:16

The prudent see danger and take refuge,
    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

             -Proverbs 27:12

Grow in righteousness, integrity, and a desire to lead justly.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
    when the wicked rule, the people groan.

             -Proverbs 29:2

By justice a king gives a country stability,
    but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

             -Proverbs 29:4

Better a little with righteousness

than much gain with injustice.

            -Proverbs 16:8

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out 

             -Proverbs 10:9

Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity and honor.

             -Proverbs 21:21

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
    when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

             -Proverbs 11:10

Respond

Yesterday we prayed for our local leaders, so today let’s focus on our state leaders. The Texas Tribune has an easy to use website that can help you discover the names of state officials. https://www.texastribune.org/directory/

Select ten state officials and pray for them by name. If you wrote a prayer that was inspired by the proverbs above, use that one. You may want to pray it for yourself as well!