Psalm 72 records Solomon's prayer for the king--himself, obviously. Who better to advise us on how to pray for our president than the wisest man who ever lived--one who knew the pressure of leading an entire nation?
I quoted the verse above as a good summary--God blesses us so that we in turn will bless others. As God blesses our leaders, they in turn are to bless the people they govern, and through, our blessing can extend to the entire world.
When I read Psalm 72, "human rights" jumped to my mind. But lest I let my personal Democrat leanings unfairly color my glasses, let's look through the petitions. Solomon asked God for:
- A wise and just rule
- Champion of the poor
- Enemy of cruel tyrants
- Good weather for crop growing: imagine a good atmosphere for economic growth
- Righteousness
- Peace
- Respect of other world leaders
- Rescues and restores the poor, the destitute, the down-and-out, the wretched
- Free those under tyranny and torture
- Enduring fame
- lengthy rule
- Rule a large territory (sea to sea, river to rim)
- Victory over his enemies
- A heart for his people
Solomon's list covers both domestic and foreign affairs and suggests the king's treatment of everyone, both little and small. It touches on the leader's character. It gives him guidelines to consider before embarking on war.
Whatever country we live in, we would do well to pray these same request for our leaders.
Today's favorite verse: No doubt about it! God is good--good to good people, good to the good-hearted. But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top. (Psalm 73:1-4, MSG)
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