Focus Revival Prayer Circle

Join us in intentional prayer every day at 6 a.m.*

We live in a challenging time. Socially, culturally, economically, and politically, we are experiencing upheavals and strife. In the middle of these stressful times, the marginalized and vulnerable people are the first to take the brunt of the culture war and political gamesmanship. Even more troubling is that so many of these are being done in the name of God, in the name of Christ, and under the guise of defending the purported "biblical values." The churches have all but abandoned the teachings of Christ and the values of the Greatest Commandments as their loyalty and worship shift to a political party and certain politicians. 

Nevertheless, we are called to pray for those in power and for the peace of the nation and city in which we live. It is important to remind ourselves that the Bible was written when there was no such thing as democracy; indeed, much of the scriptures were written when the people of God were under despotic, corrupt, and even foreign regimes.

Another important focus of our prayer is for a spiritual revival of the churches; that they return from the idolatry of political ambitions back to what Christ commanded all believers to do: to love their neighbors as themselves, do justice and walk humbly before God, and to make disciples of all nations. 

Finally but not the least, we "stand in the gap" and intercede in prayer for the protection of the vulnerable in our communities, who are being most affected by the amoral, corrupt, unwise, and unchristlike choices made by the politicians.

Infinitus Ministries invites all to join in a coordinated, intentional prayer for the nation, its leaders, and the churches at 6 a.m. (in your local time zone) every morning. 

Words about praying for those in temporal political power

Praying for a king, a prime minister, a president, a governor, etc., has been a longstanding tradition in the Christian church. For example, the Book of Common Prayer used by the Anglican and Episcopal churches contains such a prayer as part of their Holy Eucharist liturgy. 

In recent years, this practice has evoked some negative emotions among many Christians. Some may even recall the 2006 documentary film, Jesus Camp, in which a group of children were being told to pray over a cutout likeness of then-President George W. Bush, and deride such an action as some kind of nationalistic brainwashing. 

Yet, ultimately, praying for the rulers benefits us even if we disagree with them or even if we dislike what they do. As 1 Timothy 2:2 suggests, we are to pray so that we may live “quiet and peaceful lives, godly and dignified.” Note that Paul wrote 1 Timothy when the evil emperor Nero was in power over the Roman Empire! When rulers act in ways that harm that possibility, prayer can be a way to intercede for mercy, justice, and structural change. Another important point to remember is that we are affected, positively or negatively, by the policy choices and actions of the politicians. Thus, even if you did not vote for these politicians and you have passionate disagreements with their political party, our well-being depends on their success and prosperity as leaders; in other words, we fall when they fail. It is therefore important to pray that they govern well, guided by divine wisdom, in spite of their personal shortcoming.  

Another thing to keep in mind is that even despots are people with souls; the Christian posture is one of love (not uncritical praise) and intercession, not simply condemnation. If their souls are profoundly damaged, perhaps due to childhood trauma, that would have a profound influence on how they govern; it is therefore to our own interest to pray for their mental healing and liberation from potential spiritual oppression. 

The “why” of praying: It isn’t simply about supporting a leader’s every decision, but it is about aligning with the purpose of prayer: “that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives, godly and dignified” (1 Timothy 2:2). Moreover, it is about trusting that God is bigger than our politics and able to work beyond the visible structures.

In this Prayer Circle, we are specifically focusing our prayers on President Donald J. Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, OMB director Russell Vought, and the White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, as these individuals' policy choices have a profound impact on our daily lives. If naming the person by name evokes strong negative emotion, you might instead pray for the office or role. For example: “God, I lift up the President and ask for wisdom, integrity, and that injustice would be restrained.” This can also shift the focus from the person’s failings to the sacredness of the role, and your intercession toward what could be rather than what has been.

Recognize that there may be times when you need to pray against certain patterns (injustice, oppression) while simultaneously praying for the transformation of the person, the system, or the structure. Emphasize that the Christian posture is one of hope, not cynicism: “God, even this government, You know. Bring about what brings justice, mercy, and freedom for those on the margins.”

"Ora et labora" (pray and work): Prayer for rulers doesn’t exempt us from civic responsibility, advocacy, and speaking truth. But it infuses those actions with spiritual intentionality and avoids reactive resentment. Before or as you engage politically, take a moment to pray for the people in power—so that your voice is not only reactive, but rooted in a posture of hope and partnership with God’s purposes.

In short, we will pray for all who are in authority—not because they are perfect, but because their decisions affect the flourishing of our neighbors and our beloved community.

Something to think about

"You must be willing for everyone involved to be as much benefited from your prayers as you wish to be. You must be willing for your enemies as well as your friends to be blessed... Unselfishness is the hidden key to hidden prayer...praying for others causes your own prayers to be answered!" -- Catherine Ponder.

"Jesus also commanded that we bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28; also see 1 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:14, 20). Loving our enemies means desiring good for them, and taking that desire to God in prayer. It doesn’t mean that we affirm their negative qualities through prayer, but rather we hope for them to see God’s kindness and repent (Romans 2:4)." -- Kevin Halloran.