Nagaland Baptist Church Council calls for corporate prayer for rulers and leaders entrusted with governance during the Sunday Worship Service on March 1, 2026
Rev Dr Mar Pongener
General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people unite in prayer, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and peace for those entrusted with leadership. Corporate prayer expresses our shared spiritual responsibility as believers and reflects the biblical call to uphold those in authority before God, for the well-being of society and the promotion of the common good. It is learnt that the 8th Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly is scheduled to commence from March 2, 2026 onwards (The Morung Express, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, p. 3). This important Assembly Session will bring together the elected representatives of the people to deliberate on crucial matters concerning governance, public welfare, and the future of our State. The decisions taken during this Session will have far-reaching implications for peace, justice, development, and the overall well-being of the people of Nagaland.
In view of this significant occasion, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) calls upon all churches to observe a Corporate Prayer on March 1, 2026, during the Sunday Worship Service. The NBCC encourages all believers to consider this an opportune and sacred moment to draw nearer to God’s presence and to earnestly pray for rulers and leaders entrusted with governance, that they may be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a genuine concern for the people they serve.
The Biblical Call to Pray for Leaders: The Apostle Paul urges believers to make prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for all people, with special emphasis on kings and those in authority. “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 goodliness and holiness.” (I Timothy 2:1-2.) This passage reminds believers that praying for leaders is not about endorsing their actions, but about seeking God’s wisdom, righteousness, and guidance for those who hold power, recognizing that their decisions affect the well-being of all. To pray for those in authority is not merely a religious tradition but a clear biblical mandate.
The call to pray for leaders affirms that believers are biblically instructed and spiritually responsible to bring those in positions of authority before God in prayer. It is our duty to uphold leaders before God, recognizing that leadership carries immense responsibility and has a profound impact on the lives of people. This calling is not dependent on whether leaders are perfect or agreeable, but is rooted in God’s design for order, peace, and the common good in society. When leaders are guided by God, their governance helps create an environment in which peace prevails, faith can be practiced freely, and the common good is promoted.
Why Corporate Prayer for Our Leaders is Necessary? Nagaland is widely recognized as a Christian-majority State, where faith in God forms the foundation of personal life, family values, and community relationships. In such a context, corporate prayer becomes a powerful expression of unity—between the Church and the State, and among citizens themselves. It sends a clear message that the Church seeks the well-being of the land, not personal gain or political influence, but peace, justice, and the welfare of all.
Corporate prayer for our leaders is both a spiritual duty and a civic responsibility. It acknowledges God as the ultimate authority, seeks His guidance for those who govern, and demonstrates our concern for the present situation and future of the State. Therefore, believers are encouraged to faithfully uphold leaders in prayer, asking God to fill them with wisdom, courage, and a servant’s heart, so that decisions taken during the Assembly Session may lead to peace, justice, and holistic development for Nagaland.
LET US PRAY
(i) For our elected leaders, including the Chief Minister and the Members of the Legislative Assembly, who are chosen by the people to serve the State and its citizens. While the mandate comes from the people, the wisdom to govern rightly comes from God. Leadership involves decisions that affect millions of lives: socially, economically, politically, and morally. Therefore, leaders need divine guidance beyond human knowledge, experience, or political understanding. Let us seek God’s grace upon those who carry this heavy responsibility.
(ii) For the Assembly Session, which is a particularly important period in the life of the State. During this time, leaders deliberate on critical matters such as public welfare, development, peace, justice, governance, and the overall direction of Nagaland. Laws are debated, policies are framed or amended, and decisions are taken that shape the future of the people. These decisions influence livelihoods, harmony, and hope. Hence, it is essential that all such deliberations be covered in prayer. Let us ask God to grant leaders discernment, clarity, and wisdom from above.
(iii) For leaders as human beings, who, like all of us, are not perfect and may at times make mistakes or decisions that fall short of public expectations. In such moments, it is easy to resort to criticism or discouragement. However, the Christian response calls us to a higher standard - to replace criticism with intercession, and frustration with compassion. Prayer enables us to bring our concerns before God while trusting Him to work in the hearts and minds of those in authority.
(iv) For the reality that decisions made by leaders ultimately affect the lives of all people. Whether those decisions bring progress or challenges, the consequences are shared by society as a whole. This places a moral responsibility upon every believer and every responsible citizen to pray earnestly that leaders may act with integrity, humility, and a sincere concern for the common good. When we pray for our leaders, we are in fact praying for ourselves, our families, and future generations.
(v) That God will grant discernment, wisdom, and clarity to rulers and leaders entrusted with governance. May they seek God’s direction, be attentive to His voice, and be guided by His truth in all deliberations and decisions. Amid discussions, debates, and differing opinions, may they remain mindful of God’s leading, exercising humility, patience, and restraint.
(vi) That God will grant leaders hearts of integrity and accountability, choosing what is right over what is expedient. May every policy, resolution, and decision be shaped by a deep concern for justice, peace, and the welfare of all people. Let us pray that God will protect them from self-interest, pride, and division, instead cultivate in them a spirit of service and responsibility, so that their leadership may reflect compassion, righteousness, and a sincere desire to serve the people under God’s sovereign guidance.
(vii) Let us earnestly pray for the growing incidents of religious persecution in India, along with the increasing racial hostility faced by people from Northeast India, especially in the mainland. Such incidents are being reported frequently and have created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and deep distress among minority communities. Religious persecution and racial discrimination disrupt peaceful coexistence, threaten the dignity and safety of individuals, and undermine the values of harmony, justice, and mutual respect. These realities not only affect daily life but also weaken social unity and damage the moral fabric of the nation. Let us pray that God will protect those who are facing threats, harassment, and discrimination because of their faith or ethnic identity. Pray for rulers, leaders, policy makers and lawmakers to act responsibly and courageously to safeguard minorities. That democratic rights, constitutional freedoms, and religious liberty will be upheld, and justice will prevail for all communities
The NBCC earnestly urges all believers to willingly set aside time to participate in this Corporate Prayer, trusting that prayer offered in faith is never in vain. God hears the cries of His people and responds according to His perfect will. As Scripture assures us: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16) Let us therefore come together with humble hearts and united voices, confident that as we faithfully pray for our leaders and our land, God will guide, sustain, and bless Nagaland with peace, wisdom, and hope for the days ahead.
