Pray for Rulers: Faith for the Reservations, Devo 6 - Monday Morning Devotion
This series focuses on praying for our Native American brothers and sisters, particularly those living on reservations.
[These devotions come from Jesus Culture's "Faith for Your City" Devotion Series with some alterations]
Need to start at the beginning? Read Week 1 here.
Pray for Rulers:
Read: 1 Timothy 2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
If you truly want to see change on Native reservations and in Native villages, you must start praying.
Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, "I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be offered to God for all people (1 Timothy 2:1) because God wants everyone to be saved. But Paul also gets specific about how to reach your community with the Good News.
Focus your prayer on the leaders: tribal and governmental leaders, elders and all those in authority.
Paul was able, in his life, to share his testimony with many government leaders. God had set him up to have the visibility and influence to help the Gospel spread all over the world because he could preach to those in leadership positions, (albeit, he was usually first arrested by those authorities - nevertheless, he was ready to proclaim the Gospel).
Begin by praying for eyes to see the divine appointments and opportunities God has for you with leaders in your reservation community. Despite the breakdown of Native families, elders still hold importance in the eyes of each generation, and many of the younger generation, who want desperately to see a change in their communities, are stepping into tribal leadership roles. By praying for these two groups, in particular, you will be blessing the community as a whole.
Prayer:
Jesus, pour out your love on everyone in [your reservation/city] and especially touch those in a position of authority and leadership. Thank you for your love for them and for the role they have in proclaiming the Gospel to their community.