The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Warning - Mild politics alert

Why do I say that?  because it seems like everyone gets REALLY testy when politics are discussed any more.  But I read Psalm 72 and it touched me today.  Go below to read it - I copied the whole psalm because it it important to keep it together.

The first verses ask God to give the gift of wise rule to the king and leaders.  Asking that he judge rightly, stand for the poor, live long and prosper.  (blogging . . . .the final frontier)  Then it goes on to say all these great things that will happen, asking for blessings to rain down on the leader.

How often do I find fault with my leaders?  Not only in politics; but in business, in the denominational hierarchy - how often do I complain about those leaders?  When was the last time I prayed for them?  It is so important to pray for our leaders - to be a blessing to them and not a thorn in their side.  As a pastor I know how vital it is to have people praying for you - I have a few certain prayer warriors who I know lift me up and it means the world.  Am I that warrior for another leader?

I also see in the song some things that seem to be what they think will be outcomes of the gift of wisdom to the leader:

• He's a wise judge of issues and doesn't consider "who is more important" when making decisions
• His life is open and transparent - he lives right and lets everyone see it
• He helps the poor, the children of the needy and comes down hard on anyone who would hurt them
• Stays in leadership a long time
• Is like a rainfall - bringing refreshment and the water needed for growth

Boy that would be nice.  And yes there is a big section of personal application as a leader but today I choose to be a follower and pray for my leaders.  Won't you join me?

God of goodness - you have put in place leaders above me and given them authority over me.  I ask for  your hand of blessing upon them.

For Doug, Brian and Bishop Palmer I pray that you would give them discernment and the wisdom to know how to place good leaders.  Give them the ability to navigate the waters of controversy and in all things give them energy and strength for their roles.

For AG Laughley and the board of P&G, Lord they need your guidance to know how to ethically expand our company.  How to satisfy shareholders while being good corporate citizens.  Give them wisdom and humility.  Help them not forget that in addition to shareholders there are also janitors and secretaries that depend on them and need their guidance.  Help them not to consider power.  Help them be good to the low among us.

For President Obama, John Boehner, Secretary John Kerry and all our Congress-men and women Lord they need your guidance.  Balancing what is right for economic growth yet still protecting our people and the environment is so hard.  So many voices telling them they are getting it wrong.  Help me to be a voice shouting when they get it right.  Give them wisdom and the honor to do the right thing.  Help them care for the poor and needy and let their leadership be like rainfall on a tired and worn out nation.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers

Psalm 72

1-8 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
    the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
    be honorable to your meek and lowly.
Let the mountains give exuberant witness;
    shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor,
    help the children of the needy,
    come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—
    age after age after age.
Be rainfall on cut grass,
    earth-refreshing rain showers.
Let righteousness burst into blossom
    and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Rule from sea to sea,
    from the River to the Rim.

9-14 Foes will fall on their knees before God,
    his enemies lick the dust.
Kings remote and legendary will pay homage,
    kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
All kings will fall down and worship,
    and godless nations sign up to serve him,
Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
    the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
    he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
    when they bleed, he bleeds;
    when they die, he dies.

15-17 And live! Oh, let him live!
    Deck him out in Sheba gold.
Offer prayers unceasing to him,
    bless him from morning to night.
Fields of golden grain in the land,
    cresting the mountains in wild exuberance,
Cornucopias of praise, praises
    springing from the city like grass from the earth.
May he never be forgotten,
    his fame shine on like sunshine.
May all godless people enter his circle of blessing
    and bless the One who blessed them.

18-20 Blessed God, Israel’s God,
    the one and only wonder-working God!
Blessed always his blazing glory!
    All earth brims with his glory.
Yes and Yes and Yes.