Psalm 72:1-7
1 Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2 May he judge your people with righteousness
and your poor with justice.
3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5 May he live while the sun endures
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth.
7 In his days may righteousness flourish
and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
2 May he judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice.
Psalm 72 reminds us that, in nations that are ruled exclusively by a monarch, the character of the king or queen determines whether the people will thrive and prosper or suffer. The people prayed fervently for a righteous monarch because their lives depended on it.
In many nations, the people believe that the monarch is chosen and anointed by God. Every king or queen is granted their authority by God, the ultimate ruler, and is commanded to serve the people according to God’s will.
Whether we live in a monarchy, a representative democracy, or something in between, our obligation is the same. God expects us to pray for our elected and appointed officials, asking God to make them righteous leaders and to preserve their health and safety. God also commands us, through the words of the prophets, to hold those leaders accountable to God’s Law and character. As people of faith, we understand this to be our sacred duty.
Prayer: King of the Universe, give us all courage and strength to challenge our leaders for whom we also pray. AMEN