I didn’t want to write this post. By writing and publishing this you may assume Soaked and Sprouting is a political blog. It is not. But so often lately, politics can lead to prayer.

During the state of the union address, I was convicted that I needed to pray for certain people in our government. Those whose views are very different from mine. More so, since I am a visual person, the Lord “suggested” that I print a picture of them, those people who didn’t applaud the pro-life legislation suggestion of President Trump, and tape it in my prayer journal. I need to look into the faces of the people I am to pray for. 

Being totally transparent here, my first thought was “YUK!” I don’t want to look at those people while I’m praying for them. But I did it. I found a picture of the women in white, and taped it in my journal.

 

This is so very hard for me. My first thought when I see them is “They DO NOT represent me and my views!” But God. He is so very faithful to show me His ways, if I will only humble myself to listen.

“Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the LORD.” Exodus 28:12 NLT

Similar to the picture I taped in my prayer journal, Aaron had stones on his priestly garments to remind him that he represents the people before the Lord. 

Hmmmm. Did you see what I saw? Aaron represents the people whenever he goes before the Lord.

Even though those gals in white (and many other politicians and regular people) don’t represent me or my beliefs, I represent them when I pray for them. 

Oswald Chambers says “Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible for other souls spiritually before God?” (Chambers, O. (1986). My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the year)

The people we are praying for, the leaders of our country, may not represent us or our values or what we stand for. But we certainly represent them to God and must bring them before Him in prayer. Whenever we do this, we implore the Lord on their behalf, praying that His will be done in their lives. Pray that He will draw them to Himself and save them for His purposes.  Pray for them to see today’s issues through the filter of God’s truth and His Ways and His love. Pray for hearts to be changed. But most of all, PRAY. God commands it.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NASB

Go ahead. Print a picture of those people – whomever they may be to you. Print it. Pray over it. For them. For you. And for our country. Represent them before God. 

Grace be with You,