“After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?‘ Daniel 4:34-35 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, this story and prayer center my heart as this particular Sunday begins. By your heart and hand, Nebuchadnezzar—a pagan king, was brought low that he might lift you up. Like the king of Babylon, I’m never saner than when I’m worshiping you and acknowledging your sovereignty, over all things—including this ever-maddening political season in which we find ourselves as Americans.
I’m grateful that you do as you please, and not as we often beg you to do; and I’m also thankful that you welcome us at your throne of grace, irrespective of our emotional frame of mind. Indeed, Father, I’ve lived long enough to praise you for some of the “No’s” I’ve received to prayers for which I desperately wanted a “Yes“. You do all things well, not easy; but in time, you will make all things beautiful. Give me grace in this day to wait for that Day, Father.
Help me to trust your heart when I cannot see your hand clearly at work. Forgive me for thinking I need to make you aware of national crises, international calamities, or personal difficulties—as though you’re uninformed, or worse, non-caring. Thank you, Father, for your kindness and patience, when I’m anxious and demanding.
So as this day begins, and continues, I’m grateful to affirm that Jesus has the hearts of all kings and candidates in his hand; that you not only care for birds and fields, but for the people I love, the nation I call home, and the world you have made. Nothing happens apart from your sovereign discretion and eternal delight. Help me and my friends really believe this is true—that our upcoming election, in the USA, is no exception.
Forgive us when we doubt your faithfulness, and grant us grace when we struggle with your hiddenness. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and worship-worthy name.
