Prayer for Bolivia

Oh God,

You have seen the unrest and the violence that has overtaken the nation of Bolivia. Some were just tired of the injustice and lies. Others took advantage of the situation, looting and rioting in order to please themselves. Anger, bitterness, and hostility erupted in the streets.

Now the government is changing. We pray for those who lead this transition. Give them wisdom so that the nation can move ahead well.

Lord, You have given a moral compass to us as human beings. Awaken it in the lives of those who are still in power. Help them to listen to truth and not lies. Let wisdom become a way of life for them. Let righteousness reign and move throughout the country, bringing peace and prosperity once again.

Bring humility to the nation's leaders, both today and those who will lead the government in the future. Help them to feel the weight of responsibility of being a leader. Help them to realize that they are responsible for the lives of the people. Don't let them incite violence that will incite one countryman to lash out and hate another. Replace their own egocentricity with understanding. Let them realize that righteousness exalts a nation. Sin and greed, on the other hand, will bring the country down. (Proverbs 14:34; 29:4).

If the country were to seek You first and Your righteousness, things would fall into place. So we pray for the salvation of the people and the leaders. Help them, in this time of unrest, to realize that life is very short.  None of us is promised tomorrow. Help them to use today wisely. Help them to invest in tomorrow. Help them to realize that they will have to give an account to You one day for everything they think, say, and do.

Let those who believe and trust You rise up during this time to show others the value of knowing You. Let them love one another deeply, demonstrating the love You have for us. Let them be an example to everyone around them of the way of life You taught us. Let their love overcome hate. Let their peace calm the storm. Let their joy invade the hopelessness. Let them demonstrate Your character in everything they do today.

You are the One who put planets in place. The troubles in this nation are not hard for You to handle. So we pray that You would do a mighty work to make Bolivia a place where Your truth will go forth in power for many years to come.

Amen.


Photo: Overlooking the city of Cochabamba.