Our gracious God and Father, we thank you for the governing authorities whom you have appointed as your servants (Rom. 13:1). You command us to give thanks and to pray for them, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life (1 Tim. 2:1-2). You call us to be submissive to them and to honor them (Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). And so, we ask that you hear our prayer:
We pray for President Biden, and our country’s new administration, that they would govern in the wisdom, the discernment, the righteousness, and the humility that only come from the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 15:33). Make them continually mindful of their calling to serve in reverent obedience to you. We ask that if any of our authorities do not know you, that by your grace they would look to Jesus Christ in saving faith (1 Tim. 2:1-6). Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness. Help them to govern impartially, mindful of the poor, the oppressed, and the unborn.
We pray for their success in every good endeavor that accords with justice, and for lack of success in that which does not. May our government enact laws pleasing in your sight, to the glory of your holy Name and the welfare of our nation. But we praise you that your counsel, O Lord, stands forever; that the plans of your heart endure for all generations (Ps. 33:10-11). As your beloved Son taught us to pray, we ask that your kingdom would come, and that your purposes for our country would prevail (Matt. 6:9-13).
As citizens of your heavenly kingdom, we ask that you give us the strength and the faith to submit to our rulers, but also the courage to obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19-20; 5:27-32). Whatever comes our way in the months and years ahead, may we never lose sight of our risen and soon-returning King.
May we not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon us to test us, as though something strange were happening to us. But may we rejoice insofar as we share in Christ’s sufferings, that we may rejoice when his glory is revealed (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
Your word says: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” (Ps. 33:12). Holy Spirit, help us to understand that that nation is not America or any kingdom of this world but your church! Your church alone is the people whom you have chosen and redeemed to be your treasured possession (1 Pet. 2:9-10).
So, may our witness shine brightly in these ever-darkening days, as we display your perfect peace, justice, and joy through our lives together (Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:14-16; Titus 2:1-14). May our hope not be in any worldly kingdom or ruler or economy or constitutional freedoms, but may our hope be in the risen Lord Jesus. We ask these things in the name of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For more written prayers to help us fulfill our Christian duty to our president, governing authorities, and our nation, check out the Book of Common Prayer 2019, specifically pages 654-659.
Matt Bedzyk is the lead pastor of Emmanuel Community Church where he has faithfully served in many capacities for most of his life. He received his Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and currently oversees preaching and liturgy. Matt and his wife Brianna have four children: Lorien, Owen, Vivian, and Simon. In his spare time, you can find him brewing coffee, enjoying music, quoting Frasier with his wife, and dancing with his kids.
