RR Called to Pray A Prayer for Those in Authority By David Harwood

Want a presentation of this?  Here is a link.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FiZO1ypjel9LenW8W22be5Id3cIOcwb3/view 

…and from Messiah Yeshua, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood — and made us a kingdom, kohanim to His God and Father…  (Revelation 1:5–6a TLV)

In Revelation 1:5, Messiah Yeshua is named according to His authority: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, "the ruler of the kings of the earth." This glorious King is also a priest — our "great kohen" (Hebrews 10:21). And by His own authority He has made us "a kingdom, kohanim to His God and Father" (Revelation 1:6).

Apparently the believing community has forgotten this primary calling. We would worry about someone who woke up unable to remember where they work or what they do. Yet here we are. We really are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9), and we need to recover it.

Where does a priest go for his assignments? To the Scriptures. And there the apostolic guidance is plain. Having declared that Yeshua is King, Paul turns at once to prayer:
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all people — 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 TLV)

We are called to pray for the social and civil climate we live in — that the structure of our society would be amenable to the Kingdom of God, and that the King’s purposes would advance in our nation. But to pray this way, we must first identify with the King’s heart for those who govern. And that begins with renouncing wrath, rebellion, and resentment.
Renounce Wrath, Rebellion, and Resentment

Peter told husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way, "so that your prayers will not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7). There is an analogy here. Our hearts must be right with God before we can expect to be heard.

So I desire all men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger and argument.  (1 Timothy 2:8 TLV)

The "anger" in view was anger at a repressive Roman regime — a godless, idolatrous, tyrannical empire. This is a priestly call to pray, without rancor, for the very people who ruled that empire. And it echoes what Yeshua Himself taught:
Whenever you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your offenses.  (Mark 11:25 TLV)

Anger, rebellion, and resentment pollute the stream of our fellowship with God and the revelation we receive from Him. Let us not deceive ourselves that we can keep up holy intercession while ignoring this.

Honoring God’s Heart

Guard your heart diligently, for from it flow the springs of life.  (Proverbs 4:23 TLV)
Many who read this regard those currently in authority — a particular leader, party, or administration — as adversaries of godly priorities. I am not contending with that. But permit me one question: what is it about loving our adversaries that we do not understand? Yeshua shed His blood for those who were adverse to God’s righteousness. He loved His enemies. He died for sinners. He expects us to reflect that love, even under real political oppression.

The despotism Israel endured under Rome and what we endure are not worthy of comparison. Yet Yeshua said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven… For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" (Matthew 5:44–46). If we cannot walk in love during this season, how will we in a season of real tribulation?

And consider this. Can we come before God through the blood, carrying an attitude antithetical to the very love that offered it? His blood speaks love and cries out for forgiveness. To pray effectively for our leaders, we must carry a similar spirit.
Whatever the political season, and whoever holds office, let us consider our ways, return to ADONAI, and pray that righteousness would be exalted.

May ADONAI give us clean hands and a pure heart, that our prayers may rise unhindered. May He make us faithful kohanim who intercede for our land in the love of Messiah Yeshua — that righteousness would be exalted among us. Amen.

A condensed version of David Harwood’s “Called to Pray: A Prayer for Those in Authority.” The theology, exegesis, and conclusions are David’s, developed and taught by him; the prose was drafted with AI assistance from his material and edited by him. Scripture is quoted from the TLV.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun2-Aug 202619th of Av, 5786
De 11:26-12:10Ez 411 Ch 191 Ti 3 (Jn 8:1-30)