I heard a story once of a leader of a terrorist organization. He was going around the country imprisoning Christians and even putting them to death. The way of killing his victims was the slowest means possible where the person was beat to death one stone at a time. God spoke to this man and he “came to the light side” and became an advocate for Christ. The man who was supposed to tell him about Jesus and the resurrection didn’t know what to think at first. It was one of the moments where you shake your head look at the person talking and say “come again?”

The news and Facebook feeds are filled with information about Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and what they are planning next. A friend of mine who’s spouse is in a branch of law enforcement said they would rather their spouse agree to whatever god a potential captor wanted them to, rather than the true God. Ouch. I hope that if I am faced with the choice I go down praying.

I think it’s time that we have a call to fall to our knees in prayer. This call is to pray for the leaders of our nation as well as the leaders of ISIS, Al Queda, Russia, and the other countries in Europe and Asia. This is a call to pray for our world leaders no matter their race, religion, or creed. I don’t want to live in  just a nation that is for Christ. I want to live in a world that is full of people for him as well.

By now you probably guessed the man in the opening story is Paul in the book of Acts. God was able to get through to Paul’s heart, and He is a strong enough God to get to the heart of the most ruthless of men and women now.

Join me in Prayer: God we pray for the leaders of the world’s nations. I ask that you will bring wise men and women who fear you into power. I pray that while they are in power they will continue to look for guidance from you. I ask that you will surround these men and women with others who believe in you and live their lives to serve you. God I also pray for the leaders of ISIS. I ask that they will see you for who you are. That their eyes will be opened to the truth and that the truth will set them free. I ask for peace on those who are being persecuted. That they will know that they are on the hearts and minds of Christian brothers and sisters around the world. God I also ask your hand be on the leaders of Al Queda and other organizations that are bringing hurt to people around the world. I ask that they too come to know the real God and serve you fully. In Jesus name. Amen.