Pray the Scriptures, June 22

Nehemiah 5

Lord God,

I pray for myself and for ______________________ this day. May we, like Nehemiah, use whatever authority you have given us to protect the powerless from the abuse of the strong. Just as Nehemiah made justice a higher priority than building the wall, so may we make doing what is just and right more important than any task, no matter how important it may be.

May we be angered, as Nehemiah was, by things that are offensive to you. Grant us the grace to ponder as he did before we accuse, so we may not accuse rashly or falsely. Show us how to rebuke in a godly way and to call others to walk in the fear of God and avoid the reproach of our enemies.

Grant us public officials who have a reverence for you. May they not lord it over us but instead be mindful of the heavy burden we bear. May they devote themselves selflessly to the task of public governance and use their positions of authority to serve rather than to demand.

In Jesus’ name, I pray that each of us will do what is right and walk in the fear of God that we may avoid the reproach of those who do not know you. Out of reverence for you, may we not use our authority to lord it over others, but instead devote ourselves to the task to which you have called us. Remember us with favor, O my God, for what we do for others out of reverence for you.

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.