“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
— Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
In our anchor text, the Lord admonishes the children of Israel to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation where they were carried into exile. A striking truth is revealed: if it prospers, you too will prosper.
The New Living Translation puts it this way: “Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
This shows us that, in a general sense, the prosperity and well-being of a nation often determine the well-being of its people. Of course, there are exceptions where God, in His mercy, grants His people miraculous exemption, preserving and sustaining them even in difficult national conditions. Yet, the broader principle remains: the peace and prosperity of a nation directly impact its citizens.
This explains why issues that are pressing prayer points for people in Nigeria and much of Africa may not even be on the prayer radar for people in Europe or the United States. While it is important to trust God for His miraculous hand upon us individually, it is far better when the entire environment is blessed with peace and prosperity.
As believers, we recognize that this world is not our home. We live as foreigners and sojourners in whichever nation we find ourselves. We long for the city whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:10) Still, while we sojourn here, God commands us to pray for the nations where we dwell.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV):
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
So, while we continue to pray for God’s hand of favour upon our lives even in the midst of challenges, we must also pray for our nation to experience peace, progress, and prosperity. When this happens, well-being is more assured for all, and we are freed to pray more about eternal priorities such as the salvation of souls.
Today, as we mark Independence Day in Nigeria, let us seize this opportunity to pray earnestly for Nigeria’s well-being. According to our anchor text, if Nigeria prospers, you too will prosper.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for planting me in this nation. I pray for Nigeria today. let Your peace, wisdom, and prosperity rest upon Nigeria. Give us leaders after your own heart. Bring transformation in the area of our national values. Let greed and wickedness not continue to have its way in Nigeria. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
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