I was recently reminded of a lovely tradition shared by outgoing American Presidents. When an incoming President enters the Oval Office for the first time in his official capacity, he will often find a note left by his predecessor. Here are some snippets:
“I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success is now our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”
“You will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me.”
“…all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.”
We are all aware of the divisions in our nation, played out for the world to watch. But in the end, we are called to pray for our leadership. I would say they need it now more than ever.
2600 years ago, the Hebrews were in captivity. Their leader was NOT someone they had elected. He was an invading despot who had stolen them away to Babylon. Their inclination was, understandably, to hold their breath, bide their time, just survive until liberation day.
That was the situation when the prophet Jeremiah penned HIS letter. In Jeremiah 29 he instructs them:
- Build houses. Plant gardens and eat what grows.
- Marry and have children.
- Thrive!
- Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare.
And the kicker Pray for the peace of Babylon. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you.
As if God anticipated their push-back, He goes on (verse 8, the Message version): Yes. Believe it or not, this is the message from the God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
It sounds like He is saying, “You heard that right. I didn’t stutter.”
So on this Inauguration Day, I’d like to encourage you to follow the example of our own leaders as well as the prophet. No more praying for just our favorite. The man – or woman – in the Oval Office, and all the leaders in the Capitol, deserve and need our prayers. And pray for our governor, mayor, city council. And our first responders who keep us safe, and our teachers who are charged with educating the next generation of leaders.
Pray for:
- Wisdom. Being a leader demands it.
- Honor and honesty
- Favor – at home and among the nations
- Success. If our leadership succeeds, we succeed.
- Strength tempered with humility. Because strength without humility can just make a leader a bully. Humility without strength can make a leader seem weak.
Pray these things for the First 100 Days, and beyond. Pray them over our President, members of Congress, the Supreme Court justices, our governor, mayors, down to the most local level. And pray them over each other as we seek peace.
Thoughts from My Hammock 