Daily Prayer for January 20, 2026: Psalm 2

Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
    and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
    the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
    and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
    on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
    today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
    and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break[b] them with a rod of iron
    and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
    be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
    lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
    for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
(Psalm 2:1-12)

Prayer: Our God in heaven, we know that you are the one who exalts men and places them in the positions they have. We know your Word makes it clear that they operate at your good pleasure. Yet, Father, we also know that these men are sinners who often rebel against you and your Word. They plot in vain against you, your Son, and the righteousness you have revealed in your Word. They take counsel together to work against all that is holy and good. They promote wickedness, calling good evil and evil good. We also know that you are in the heavens and rule and reign over the affairs of these people. You laugh at their efforts because one day they will be judged according to their labors. Yet, in your grace, you appeal to them to repent, and we pray that you would change their hearts and turn them to you. Therefore, our God, please turn the hearts of our leaders to you. Please bring the hope of the gospel to bear upon them. Please give us righteous leaders. These things we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 2