The Lord’s words to his people in exile instructed them to pray for the prosperity of the city--a city in Babylon! What? Yes, evil Babylon was to receive the prayers of God’s people while they lived there, so that as the city prospered, so God’s people would prosper.

• Pray for your city, for its government, its leaders, its economy, its marginalized, the weak and vulnerable, and for its welfare.

• Pray for the churches in your city to prosper as the city prospers.

Lord, you have cradled your people in cities of man, though they are citizens of the kingdom of God. We pray for the welfare of our city! We pray for its peace and prosperity, that your church, scattered throughout this city, will prosper. We pray for our local leaders, Christian and non-Christian, to be guided to good by your Spirit. Amen.