SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:1-3

One of the questions we should ask is what is appropriate to pray over those who are in rebellion in our land, thus filling the nation with iniquity. The answer to that, I believe, is in 2 Samuel 23:1-3. What is appropriate to pray? King David, in similar circumstances, prayed judicial prayers over the rebellious. So what would be safe to pray when people are in rebellion and have chosen actions that bring destruction? The best dictionary for the Bible is the Bible. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible. If we let Scripture show us similar places where people were desperate and under assault, and they were led to pray appropriately, then we can pray their prayers. 2 Samuel 23:1-3 is a passage that gives us the authority to do that. It says, “Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel: ‘The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: “He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.”’” David prayed prayers that were God authored and God ordained. The God-ordained and God-authored prayers of King David are the very prayers that you and I need to look for to pray today in similar situations. What we should ask God is, ‘Show us what you want us to pray concerning our rebellious leaders. What should we pray concerning all those who, by supporting evil, are bringing death and destruction to the nation? Show us!’ God answers prayers like that. He will give us appropriate Bible prayers to pray. David’s Psalms are full of them.