DAY 23 – Fasting & Prayer

27. January 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Strong and Godly Leadership (Nations Guided)

Key Scriptures: 1 Timothy 3:1–7 | Proverbs 11:14 | Ezekiel 34:2–4 | Hebrews 13:17

DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION

Leadership is vital in every institution—whether in the Church, the family, the home, or the workplace. Someone once said, “I am not looking for a hierarchical church,” yet the truth remains that any community without leadership eventually becomes chaotic. God Himself is a God of order, and where leadership is absent, confusion thrives (1 Corinthians 14:33).

This is why Scripture instructs believers to understand, honor, and respond rightly to leadership:

📖 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.” — Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)

In our generation, many resist being guided or led. The rise of technology, misinformation, and a false sense of independence has produced a spirit that despises authority. Yet God has always worked through people—men and women He appoints, equips, and holds accountable. Rejecting godly leadership often leads to spiritual drift and vulnerability.

At the same time, discernment is crucial. Light is needed to discern which leadership we serve under and how we lead in the capacities God has entrusted to us. Leadership is not limited to the pulpit—we are all leaders in one way or another: at home, in ministry teams, in the workplace, and in society. The question is not whether we lead, but how we lead.

Scripture reminds us that leaders are shepherds, not exploiters. God condemns leadership that serves self-interest rather than people:

📖 “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” — Ezekiel 34:2 (NKJV)

God desires leaders after His own heart—leaders who guide with wisdom, walk in integrity, and serve with humility. When leadership is strong and godly, people are protected, vision is sustained, and nations are guided in righteousness.

📖 “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)

Today, we pray not only for pastors and church leaders, but for a generation of godly leaders across all spheres—young and old—who will shepherd God’s people faithfully. As leadership is strengthened, confusion gives way to clarity, and nations are guided by truth.

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Prayer Points

• God, raise leaders after Your own heart among us—both young and old—to shepherd Your people faithfully.

(Jeremiah 3:15; Psalm 78:72)

• Strengthen our spiritual character, integrity, and humility, so we may lead faithfully in every capacity You have assigned to us.

(1 Timothy 3:1–7; Proverbs 4:23)

• Remove self-interest, abuse of authority, and every form of compromise from leadership among us.

(Ezekiel 34:2–4; Micah 3:11)

• Grant us wisdom, discernment, and courage to lead God’s people effectively and in righteousness.

(Proverbs 11:14; James 1:5)

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Prayer for the National Prayer Festival (Basel)

We declare liberty, peace, and divine order over the National Prayer Festival. Every form of confusion and spiritual resistance is silenced. The atmosphere is saturated with the presence and freedom of the Holy Spirit, and Christ alone is exalted.

Shalom

Rev Joseph