Ezra
August 7
Ezra 4:4-5, 6:6-8, 13-14
The Temple is rebuilt
The Jews who had returned from Babylon were excited about rebuilding the Temple. But soon, a troublemaker who had stayed behind, along with some others who did not believe in God, became jealous and tried to stop them. They even sent messages to the king of Persia, claiming that the Jews were planning to rebel and would not pay taxes. Because of this, all the work on the Temple stopped.
Years later, when King Darius came to power in Persia, he searched through the records of King Cyrus and found the scroll in which Cyrus had ordered the Jews to rebuild the Temple.
King Darius then ordered that no one was to interfere with the building of the Temple, and he even commanded the troublemakers to help. He also ordered that tax money be used to pay for the work. At last, the Temple was completed, and the people dedicated it to God.
How should I pray for our country's leaders?
God worked in the heart of King Cyrus, who sent many Jews back to Jerusalem and helped them rebuild the Temple. When they became discouraged and stopped building, God used King Darius to get them started again. God used these kings to help rebuild His people's place of worship. When we pray for our leaders, God can do great things through them too.
Pray that God will help leaders make wise decisions. The decisions they make are important because they affect many people.
Pray that judges and rulers will know what is right so that justice is done.
Pray for those in authority who have the power to make laws that affect our freedom to worship God.
Pray that those who enforce the law will know how to deal with wrongdoing so that we can live peaceful lives.
Verse for today
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2