How can we pray for peace and righteousness in our nation's leaders? Setting the Scene Psalm 72 is a royal psalm that looks ahead to a king whose reign overflows with God-given justice and shalom. Because Scripture speaks both to Solomon’s immediate rule and to the ultimate reign of Christ, verse 7 becomes a guide for praying over any earthly leader who governs today. Psalm 72:7 “May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, till the moon is no more.” Key Themes from the Verse • Flourishing righteousness—virtue, integrity, moral uprightness growing and spreading. • Abounding peace—well-being, security, prosperity that touches every layer of society. • Duration—“till the moon is no more” underscores God’s desire for lasting impact, not momentary calm. Why Peace and Righteousness Matter in Leadership • Righteous rulers are God’s gift to a nation (Proverbs 29:2). • Peace undergirds the advance of the gospel (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • God establishes governing authorities to reward good and restrain evil (Romans 13:1-4). • When leadership aligns with God’s standards, the people “live quiet and tranquil lives in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). Practical Ways to Pray, Drawn from Psalm 72:7 1. Pray for flourishing righteousness – Ask that leaders personally embrace moral integrity and public justice. – Request that wise counselors and righteous laws surround them (Proverbs 11:14). – Intercede for courage to reject corruption and uphold truth (Micah 6:8). 2. Pray for abounding peace – Seek God’s hand to restrain violence, crime, and external threats. – Petition for economic stability and fair policies that allow families to thrive (Jeremiah 29:7). – Pray that decisions promote a climate where the church can preach Christ freely (Acts 9:31). 3. Pray for lasting impact – Ask that reforms would be more than political cycles—rooted deep enough to outlive individual terms of office. – Plead for generational blessing so future citizens inherit a more righteous landscape (Psalm 103:17-18). Linking Psalm 72 with the Wider Witness of Scripture • Isaiah 32:1-2 promises rulers who shelter their people “like streams of water in a dry land.” • Psalm 85:10 pictures righteousness and peace kissing—a direct echo of the partnership we seek in prayer. • James 3:18 reminds us that “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace,” highlighting our role in planting those seeds through intercession. Encouragement for Ongoing Intercession Keep Psalm 72:7 in view as a steady compass. God delights to answer prayers that echo His own Word, and He has tied the wellbeing of nations to the faithful petitions of His people. So pray consistently, expectantly, and specifically, trusting the Lord to raise up leaders marked by righteousness and to pour out peace that lasts “till the moon is no more.” |
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