1 Timothy 2: 1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness . This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

God is all about order and decency. And one of the ways he has ordained for us to take some responsibility for the maintenance of order in the earth is to pray to him. If there ever was a need to pray it is now, especially for those in authority. It is not a time to be wringing our hands or to succumb to frustration. The people of God have specific instructions: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7: 4). God’s Word gives us numerous examples where God changed the course for men and nations in response to prayer and repentance.

Pray for preachers of the gospel and for missionaries at home and abroad, some of them in places where we must ask God to dispatch angels for their protection. Pray for Christians who are being persecuted around the globe daily. Pray for their daily anointing by the Holy Spirit and that they will always be aware of God’s presence. Pray for these groups or individuals by name where possible.

Pray for educators and the young minds that they are influencing daily. Pray for the health care system in your nation that God will grant wisdom and compassion to the Administrators. Pray for health care systems to be established where there are none. Pray for the doctors and nurses who daily give tirelessly of themselves to help save lives. They too are caught in the vicious cycle of being made to do more with less and for less.

Pray for parents that they will have the courage to live God-centered, exemplary lives before their children and teach them that they are of value to God and that he has purpose for their lives.

Pray for our armed forces and uniformed protective services and their families who sacrifice so much for the maintenance of order in our society.

Pray for refugees, the hungry, the homeless and the dispossessed. It is the beginning of a new year so pray, and pray some more. Add to this list as you see fit.