Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Prayer for Our Rulers.

1 Timothy 2v1-2 “I urge then that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for … kings and all those in authority.”  (NIV)

This week has seen the instalment of new Prime Minister Liz Truss, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and therefore also the announcement of a new King – King Charles III.

The teaching of the New Testament is clear, we give honour and respect to those in authority and pray for them. We recognise that all leaders are ultimately accountable to God and it is he who puts them in place by whatever process that is. (See Romans 13v1-7)

Let us therefore give thanks for the life of the Queen and the way that she has given honour to God and to Jesus and has regularly acknowledged His hand in her life. Let’s pray for the whole Royal Family as they mourn their loss.

Let us pray too for our new leaders – both Liz Truss and King Charles. Let us pray that they live up to God’s ways in their own lives and in the policies that they put forward. Let us pray for peace, righteousness and justice.

Let us pray for our nation in this time of change. “Restore O Lord the honour of your name … and in our time revive the church that bears your name.”

With love and blessing,

Roland