Personal Prayer
Praise God, the one mightier than all the officials of all the nations. Give thanks that he is interested in the substance of justice and mercy rather than mere outward forms (Zechariah 7). Confess times during which your walk with God doesn’t go much deeper than formality. Commit yourself to a life-style of justice, mercy, and compassion (Zech. 7:9). Ask God to regularly prompt you to loving faithfulness in such a life.

For Your Family and Friends
Pray that your children will develop a sensitivity toward the needs and concerns of others. Ask God to help you model such concern in relationships and contexts where you exercise authority.

For the Church
Pray that your church’s leaders will not be sidetracked by mere adherence to forms or accepted patterns. Ask God to fill them with courage to effectively lead you into his justice, mercy, and compassion.

For the Kingdom
Pray that your government officials will adopt God’s priorities as their own. Ask God to help them restrain oppression of widows, the fatherless, the aliens, and the poor (7:10).

For People to Know Jesus
Pray that the practical displays of God-honoring justice, mercy, and compassion will be combined with a clear call to repent and believe. Ask God to draw specific unsaved people you know into his holiness.