pray for the life of the king

And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

Ezra 6:9-10

God used the decree of a pagan king to secure His worship in the temple being rebuilt in Jerusalem. This provided safety and security for the Jews to again worship God as He had commanded them as they returned from exile. What’s more, even Darius the Persian king knew that sacrifices and prayers on His behalf aided the success of the empire. The Persians created a way for God to be worshiped by His covenant people so that God would again bless the nations of the earth. God used a human ruler to build His house and reinstate His worship as He blessed the covenant with His people.

Lord of the nations,

You command the decrees of kings. You rule over the laws of the nations. You direct the hearts of leaders so that Your will is always done. Do so today. Move in nations to protect and promote the spread of the gospel so that Your kingdom comes… Your will is done.

Amen