Rhapsody of Realities 14 January
SCRIPTURE: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority… (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
In Acts 13:6-12, we find a very interesting story about the missionary work of Barnabas and Paul in Paphos—a city known for a combination of immorality and darkness. In the course of their evangelical work in the city, the deputy, Sergius Paulus, wanted to hear God’s Word and sent for Barnabas and Paul.
But one of his very influential officials—a noted false prophet and sorcerer—attempted to frustrate theirmissionary efforts. He didn’t want his boss to hear the Gospel. But Paul, having observed Elymas’ deceptive and malicious tendencies, firmly expostulated with him and said, “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season…” (Acts 13:11). Suddenly, the man went blind and got out of their way. Hallelujah!
Sergius Paulus was a prudent man; he wasn’t a corrupt official, but he was unaware of the kind of influence that Elymas would have on him, having been planted by Satan. These are often part of Satan’s ways of getting across to government and political leaders, to influence them and get them to do the wrong things.
Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here
Therefore, in praying for the leaders of your city, state or country, remember that there’re times Satan plants his own people among them, to distract them from hearing the Word and from getting to know God. Therefore, using the Name of Jesus, break the power of Satan over those who work with leaders and seek to influence or counsel them to go against the will and purposes of God.
Furthermore, command the devil to loose his grip over their minds so the light of the glorious Gospel of Christwould shine unto them. Affirm that their hearts are open to receive the Gospel willingly and as a result, righteousness springs up in their hearts and the wisdom of God guides their thoughts. Pray for leaders and all men this way as admonished in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
CONFESSION: Lord, your desire is for the leaders and peoples of the nations to be saved and for your righteousness to rule their hearts and guide their thinking. Therefore, I pray for leaders of nations, that their hearts be opened and receptive to the Gospel. I pray that your Word will have free course and be glorified and have prevailing power in their lives, effectively cutting off every negative influence from among them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Timothy 2:1-4
First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,
2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet andundisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness andreverence and seriousness in every way.
3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing andacceptable to God our Savior,
4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.
Jeremiah 29:7
7 And seek (inquire for, require, and request) the peace and welfare of the city to which I have caused you to be carried away captive; and pray to the Lord for it, for in the welfare of [the city in which you live] you will have welfare.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He wills.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:24-42 & Genesis 34-35
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:1-13 & Genesis 14
Thank you for studying today’s Rhapsody of Realities – Praying For Leaders – written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
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Rhapsody of Realities 14 January 2023
