The leadership every nation Wants

Read Psalm 72.

This is David's prayer for Solomon as the crown was passed from father to son.  How does one pray for a national leader?  There are no less than nine requests made for the new king.

1. Justice for the poor and needy.

All authority to mete out justice comes from God.  Human judges are to represent God with the knowledge that they are accountable to Him.  Having leadership that stands in the gap for those who are powerless, who stands against oppressors and those who commit crimes is essential to the survival of any society.

2. Righteousness.

Not only must leaders correct what is wrong, they must lead according to what is right.

3. Prosperity.

Good leadership creates an environment for growth.  The people then are refreshed by them and "flourish" personally and financially.

4. Peace.

Living quiet peaceable lives is the goal of a civilized society.  Those who govern have the God-given responsibility to protect the people from internal strife and international threats.

5. Expanded Influence.

This is the essence of all leadership.  The prayer here is that based upon the first four above.  The leader would be so respected, so blessed, and so supported by his own people that he would be equally received and revered by other nations.

6.  Long Life.

"Long live the king."  That is not only a good sentiment for well-wishing, long tenures of God-honoring leadership is a blessing to the people.

7. Abundance.

With great productivity comes abundance in resources.  Great amounts of resources give leaders and the nation plenty of options for expansion, protection, and meeting the needs of the people.  When the nation is enriched the people should be as well.

8. Fame.

When a nation has such leadership as described here, it becomes well-known and attractive.  The reason is that everyone wants to live in a place like this and follow this type of leader.

9. Blessed.

This kind of leadership and this type of society does not come through self-help efforts.  It is a "wondrous" thing that comes from God alone.  He blesses such leaders and nations in order to reveal His glory, not theirs.

"Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."  (Proverbs 14:34)