1 Corinthians 14:1–5, NKJV
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1. PRAY FOR LEADERS TO RECEIVE WISDOM
Wars are often prolonged by pride, fear, and poor counsel.
Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?
Behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.”
For he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this side of the River; and he had peace on every side all around him. 25 And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.’”
Here are a few other translations for added depth:
ESV “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! ‘May they be secure who love you!’”
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.”
God is not the author of chaos. He is a peacemaker. You’re not begging; you’re aligning with His revealed will.
Take Authority Over the Spiritual Forces Behind War
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
of Civilians and the Church
5. PRAY FOR REDEMPTION, NOT JUST RESOLUTION
You’re not only praying for war to stop; you’re praying for eternal impact.
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