How People of All Nations Can Pray for Their Leaders
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A righteous King and Kingdom
Most Americans are unfamiliar with the rule of a monarch—a king or queen or sultan, except for what they see in the media. I’ve traveled to Great Britain and seen some of the majesty of Britain’s royalty in person, but not up close.
In ancient times, a monarch would often have god-like authority and power. This is not the case today, although some monarchs wield more power than others.
King Solomon was a great king of Israel. He inherited a united kingdom that endured great struggles before he became king. God gave his father, King David, a promise that looked ahead to the coming of the Messiah and an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7:12-16).
And, as with his father David, God gave Solomon prophetic wisdom beyond himself and the kingdom of his time. In his limited understanding, he looked ahead to the eternal Kingdom of God ruled by the Savior of the world.
God gave King Solomon great wisdom, along with great blessings. Solomon understood that the Kingdom of Israel was God's kingdom, not his own. Psalm 72 reflects that insight.
It may appear Solomon is asking God's blessing for himself, but it is for the King of God's kingdom. To Solomon and other Jewish leaders, the kingdom of Israel represented the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is the King of all Kings and the Savior of the world. He came as a Savior for all who would receive and trust in Him. One day soon—sooner than we know—He will return as a great King to establish an eternal kingdom on earth.
As you read the selected verses of Psalm 72 below, consider the content of Solomon's prayer and blessing, especially the beginning, middle verses, and ending. Solomon prays for God’s justice and righteousness to be given so all would honor the king.
Scripture
By Solomon.
O God, give the king your justice and the king’s son your righteousness so that he may judge your people with righteousness and your oppressed people with justice.
May the mountains bring peace to the people and the hills bring righteousness. May he grant justice to the people who are oppressed. May he save the children of needy people and crush their oppressor.
May they fear you as long as the sun and moon shine— throughout every generation. May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like showers that water the land.
May righteous people blossom in his day. May all kings worship him. May all nations serve him. [vss 1-7, 11]
He will rescue the needy person who cries for help and the oppressed person who has no one’s help. He will have pity on the poor and needy and will save the lives of the needy.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight.
May his name endure forever. May his name continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and call him blessed.
Thank the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does miracles. Thanks be to his glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen! [vss 17-20]
The prayers by David, son of Jesse, end here. [this is the end of Book Two of the Psalms]
(Psalm 72:1-7, 11, 17-20 GW) [Context– Psalm 72]
Reflections and insights
We can view Psalm 72 as a guide for all people everywhere in praying for the leaders of their nation, and for justice and righteousness throughout the world.
If you live in a nation with great freedoms and blessings, pray for your leaders that they may worship and serve God. That they would uphold justice and righteousness and kindness.
If you live where oppression and injustice exist, pray for your leaders that their hearts will change. That they may have compassion and concern for the poor, and do what is right and just and good.
Great men like David, Daniel, Nehemiah, and the apostle Paul are examples of those who prayed this way. All these men served under tyrants, but they honored the Lord through their service and prayer for their people.
May those great men of God be an inspiration as well as examples of those who look to the Lord God Almighty as the great and sovereign ruler over all nations—all peoples.
The Lord Jesus cares for the needy and oppressed, and He calls on us as believers to pray for justice, righteousness, and peace for our own nation and throughout the world.
Reflection—
Do you regularly pray for your nation's leaders? If not, now is a great time to start! Be thankful if you live in a free nation! If you live under an oppressive government, pray for righteousness and justice to rise and prevail.
Prayer Focus—
Let us—you and me—be faithful to pray for our leaders, that God's justice and righteousness would prevail, and that the leaders of all nations would honor the Lord.
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