Praying for the President

When I think of Donald Trump, I think of casinos, beauty pageants, and Celebrity Apprentice.  But to see him as Mr. President....I still shake my head and laugh.

To be as successful as he is, he must be smart and hard-working, and he must surround himself with wise and capable people.   

Seems everybody, myself included, has an opinion or observation about President Trump, his work, his leadership style, his language, his family, his clothes...it's all topics for conversation.  

But I ask, "What does God's Word say about government leaders?"

...there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God...for he is God's servant for your good...he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.  Romans 13:1,4

...I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life... 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Government and kings are God's ideas, instituted so we can live orderly lives.  God puts rulers on the throne, both good and bad rulers.  We are to respect and pray for our leaders.  The presumption is that a peaceful society will also aid the spread of the gospel.  But note - the government is not charged with spreading the gospel - that's the job of the church.

With that in mind, I pray...

Heavenly Father, You provide us with all good things, and You've given us this country, a peaceful country, to live in, to serve in.  Thank-You for our new president - I pray for him to know his own sin and Your forgiveness, to know Your peace.  And I pray the same for his wife, his children, and his former wives.

I thank You that this country is able to make peaceful transactions of power.  I pray for President Trump's presidency - that good will come of it, that people who are suffering, who are lacking in basic needs, that they will be provided for.  I pray that our society will run well...as well as possible, in this broken world we live in...for the furtherance of the gospel.

I pray for President Trump to have a positive impact and influence on other countries, especially for peoples who are hurting, impoverished, struggling just to survive...that our country is seen not only as strong, but as compassionate - again, for the furtherance of the gospel. 

I pray that You give the President strength as a leader and give him a sense of selflessness.  Give him wisdom, encouragement, good counsel; let family life be a blessing to him.  Strengthen him when he becomes discouraged and tired.  I pray for him to look to You for that strength and wisdom, but also for Your forgiveness. 

I pray...for the sake of Jesus, for the sake of Your Kingdom, that You bless his presidency and the United States.

Amen.