If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. (Proverbs 29:12)
We have at least 9 declared names for the mayor’s race here in Memphis: Willie Herenton, Frank Colvett, Daniel Abston; Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr.; retired Criminal Court Judge Joe Brown; state Rep. Karen Camper, D-Memphis; J.W. Gibson; Michelle McKissack; Hastina Robinson; attorney and Memphis Branch NAACP president Van Turner Jr.; and Downtown Memphis Commission President Paul Young.
These (mostly) Memphians are running for a variety of reasons. They are taking a risk by putting themselves in the spotlight and running to lead a city in a tough season. Many good people don’t want to enter politics because of the nastiness. “Why would you put your family through that scrutiny?” is asked often. I have to applaud the gladiators in the arena.
Lord, we pray for the right leader to be Memphis’s next mayor. We pray that this person has the city’s best interest at heart and is surrounded by good, honest counselors. Lord, separate the wheat from the chaff early. If any disqualifying factors need to be known, make them known. We pray for wisdom and discernment in making our choice. We pray that these candidates seek You first. Give them endurance, strength, and patience to handle the campaigns. If Your chosen has not declared, call them forth. We pray for a Godly mayor. We pray for a city committed to serving You.
In Christ’s name, amen.