Prayer for the Supreme Court and More

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

(1 Tim. 2:1-2 CSB17)

We are all called to pray for God’s will, for His kingdom to come, for provision, for forgiveness, and for protection from temptation and evil. In addition to these and similar fundamental prayer requests, sometimes the Lord will place a specific prayer burden on a person’s heart. I can’t remember when I started praying for a godly Supreme Court for the US, but I believe it was over twenty years ago. I’ve probably prayed that prayer over a thousand times. Now I’m urging you to pray with me.

Although I’m thankful that the US court system provides a level of justice which is far better than what most people experience around the world, I’ve also been heartbroken at how our Supreme Court has promoted evil rather than good over and over again for more than five decades.

I am not an expert on Supreme Court rulings, but it seems to me that the Court took a dark turn when it began to limit the prayer and Bible reading in public schools in 1962.  Since then the Court has ruled that states must allow abortion. The Court has at times defended and legalized the possession and spread of pornography.  And it has contributed to sexual immorality by ruling that all states must allow homosexual marriage. These rulings have played a harmful role in the downward path our nation has been on for many years. Instead of restraining evil and promoting what is good, in such rulings the Supreme Court misused its authority and actually promoted evil in our land.

Recently, many court decisions have been decided by a thin 5 to 4 vote.

Today, Justice Kennedy announced he is retiring. Kennedy sided with liberals on some of the worst decisions the court has made. Today, there is hope that we can get a Supreme Court that would actually overturn Roe vs. Wade and some of the other terribly immoral decisions of the last fifty years.

But this outcome is far from guaranteed. There is likely to be a fierce political battle. More important still, this is a spiritual battle. So pray! Pray in your prayer closets. Pray with your family. Pray at your church and with Christian friends. Pray in the power of His Spirit.

Even more important!

A righteous Supreme Court is important. Its impact is huge. It can be a tool God uses to restrain evil, protect the weak, and bring justice in many lives and many cases. Yet, even a righteous Supreme Court is utterly impotent to change human hearts. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can do that.

So, while you’re praying for the Supreme Court, also pray for something even more important. We need revival. We’re desperate for spiritual renewal. Without something like another great awakening, I’m not sure that a more righteous Supreme Court will do much more than slightly delay our culture’s decline.

Whatever happens in our courts, our government, and our culture, the Great Commission will not be stopped and the return of Christ is certain. There is no guarantee that our nation will improve. There is an absolute guarantee that the Lord Jesus will one day bring justice to the whole world.

Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, urged us to pray for governing authorities. And at this moment I believe it is important to pray for our President to be led to nominate a righteous judge and for the Senate to confirm such a judge.

May God have mercy on us, and may He bless us and our nation according to His grace.

Some verses to fuel your prayers:

CSB17 Habakkuk 1:4 This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted.

CSB17 Deuteronomy 16:18 "Appoint judges and officials for your tribes in all your towns the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.

NIV Psalm 33:5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

NIV Psalm 72:2 May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.

CSB17 Psalm 94:15 for the administration of justice will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

CSB17 Psalm 106:3 How happy are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.

Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others . . .