We know God commands and desires us to pray for the leaders He has placed over us. However, when we judge a leader, or group of leaders and decide they are evil or unGodly, or corrupt, we often refuse to pray for them. Why would we desire their success, when they appear to be leading contrary to God's will? We may be right or wrong in our judgement; we still don't pray for them.
Psalm 72 is a prayer for the success of king Solomon, but it's likely this prayer would have been used for other kings also. For us, this psalm is an encouragement to rightly pray for our leaders, whether they govern by God's commands or not. Notice the focus of this psalm; it is not really on the king.
1 Give the king Your justice, O God,
and Your righteousness to the royal son!
2 May he judge Your people with righteousness,
and Your poor with justice!
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor!
5 May they fear You while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
7 In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
The focus of this prayer is really on God and His justice, His righteousness, His people, His poor & needy children, and His created world. The psalmist is praying for God's success to be given through the king and to God's people. I commend this prayer and this mindset to you, as you pray for our leaders to be God-led in all they decide & do. We also then must trust in God, that even if we do suffer under evil and Godless leaders, it is God's will and purpose.
Praise be to You, O Lord!
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