It's Time to Pray, Day 35

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." ~2 Corinthians 5:10

I remember the day, more than thirty years ago, when I had to stand before a judge to hear his judgment. At issue was an argument over whether or not I lived in the right district to run for a particular elective office. Even though I had not done anything wrong, I still felt very anxious. No one likes to hear judgment passed on them. (By the way, I won that case.)

We don't like to think about judgment. But Scripture is very clear that every person on the planet will stand before Christ to be judged. Though our salvation is dependent upon whether or not Christ is our Savior and Lord, our actions as individuals in life certainly factor into things eternally in a way that we don't fully comprehend.

How does knowing this fact change the way you pray for governmental leaders and those in authority when you recognize that they, too, must stand before the judgment seat of Christ? We are not called to be accusers, but intercessors. The picture of the judgment seat of Christ should drive us to our knees in passionate prayer for our leaders and many others.

Prayer Points

• Thank the Lord for paying the price for your redemption and that your judge is also your Savior!
• Pray for the salvation of local government leaders.
• Pray for the salvation of national government leaders.

My Prayer

Father, I know that You are the Ultimate Judge over all mankind and that You have turned judgment over to Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Thank You. Lord, I face judgment without fear because of Your love for me that brought me into Your family and forgave all of my sins. But, Lord, I fear for the many who do not know You and face a fearful judgment. Help me to pray for those who so desperately need You. I pray especially for those who are in authority over us at a national level. Their actions are so visible to a watching world and so often are contrary to Your revealed Word. Bring conviction of sin and draw them near to You that they might face judgment with the peace of Christ in their hearts.