Pray for Your Government Leaders
“God Save the King!” This should be your prayer as a believer in Jesus Christ. 1 Tim 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” It is God who has established governments, to protect the innocent and execute justice upon evil doers (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Believers are to submit to governments, even unjust governments, in all things. The lone exceptions are when governments command that which is forbidden by God or oppose that which God commands. In any case, believers are to pray for their leaders and their spiritual salvation.
In Psalm 20 David writes a prayer for the assembly of Israel as to how they are to pray for the king. He is thinking not only of himself, but every one of his descendants that would succeed him (2 Sam 7). The people pray several things for their divinely appointed king. First, that God would protect the king in the day of trouble (1-2). Second, that God would hear and answer the king’s prayers (4). Third, may they have great joy in trusting in their king as his desires line up with God’s will (5).
David responds to the congregation with confidence that God delivers the chosen king of Israel, and answers his prayers (6). David and the congregation affirm together that they do not trust in military might, but in the mighty power of God (7-8).
The psalm ends with a petition by the assembly of Israel that God would save their leader and use him to protect the nation from its enemies (9). “God save the King!”