Don't stop
Every time the lawn at our church is mowed, it looks so good! But it only takes a few weeks before it needs it again! It is a task that is never over. It repeatedly needs doing.
Prayer is much the same. It's like mowing the lawn. It's great when we do it, but the task is never over. We need to return to it again and again about the same things and about different things.
I would love to encourage you today to not stop praying for our world leaders. Paul writes to Timothy these well-known words:
1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine escalating the war that actually began back on February 20, 2014. So this week begins the official second year of this war. Or perhaps the 10th year (depending on when you say the war actually "started"). Have we stopped praying for peace? For those fighting? For their leaders?
The earthquake that struck on February 6 this year in Turkey and Syria has now seen over 50,000 deaths. Have we stopped praying for the rescuers? For those grieving? For the government?
Over time, there is no end to the many things and people we could pray for. There is never a shortage. But sometimes perhaps we just need a reminder - have you prayed recently for world leaders and governments? Paul says to Timothy in this passage that it is good for us to do this because when we have good government, and when we have peace, there are many more opportunities for the gospel. God wants all people to be saved and praying for our governments can assist with his mission!
So let me ask you today to stop and pray for the governments of our world. As we get close to another state election here in NSW, please also remember the governments of Syria and Turkey, Russia and Ukraine, and others from time to time. Why not pray for just one world/state leader a week?
Prayer
A PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
(from Occasional Prayers, Book of Common Prayer 2019)