A Prayer for the Government of NZ

I Timothy 2:1-3 says that we are to pray, intercede and give thanks for kings and all people in authority. This is God’s command to every believer today. Praying for godly leaders is productive toward God’s plan and purpose for our nation. The Bible says the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord. He can turn it however He wants, so our prayers are important.

Heavenly Father, we bring our nation to you now and pray for those who will be leading us during the next three years. We accept in faith the election results because we understand from your word that though the lot is cast into the lap, its every decision is from the Lord (Proverbs 16:33).

This is of you Father. And these people are in the position they are because you ultimately have put them there. They are your servants, to be used for your purposes.

We understand also that even though they may not know you or care for your glory or for your people that the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord and you turn it wherever you will (Proverbs 21:1). Nothing happens without you permitting it.

And so we pray now Father that those in leadership might have guidable hearts. Give them a sense that although they exercise earthly power, they are not in control – you are. May they lead in humility, not pride. Put in their hearts a desire to what is right and just rather than what is convenient or politically advantageous.

We pray you will surround our government leaders with good advisers. We pray Proverbs 19:20 for them – that they would listen to advice and accept instruction so that they may gain wisdom in the future. Help our leaders to be quick to hear and slow to speak and slow to vengeful anger.

We pray that our government leaders will establish peace and prevent evil doers from prospering as it says in your Word, “A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them” (Proverbs 20:26). We pray that sentences may be carried out swiftly yet fairly for unless a sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the human heart is fully set to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

But most of all Father, we pray for their salvation. We ask that you might be merciful – as you have been merciful to us, and show them their need for you; lead them to repentance and reveal to them the glorious Saviour who is their only hope of eternal life.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus – the true everlasting King, Amen.