NBCC calls for corporate prayer for leaders on March 1

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called upon all churches across the State to observe Corporate Prayer during the Sunday worship service on March 1, 2026, for rulers and leaders entrusted with governance.
In a statement issued by NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, the council said corporate prayer expresses the shared spiritual responsibility of 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 stated that the 8th Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly is scheduled to commence from March 2, 2026, and would bring together elected representatives to deliberate on crucial matters concerning governance, public welfare and the future of the State. The decisions taken during the session, NBCC said, would have far-reaching implications for peace, justice, development and the overall well-being of the people of Nagaland.
In view of the occasion, NBCC encouraged all believers to consider it an opportune and sacred moment to draw nearer to God and earnestly pray for rulers and leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom, integrity and a genuine concern for the people they serve.
Citing I Timothy 2:1-2, the council said believers are urged to offer petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all people, especially for kings and those in authority, so that people may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. It stated that praying for leaders was not about endorsing their actions but about seeking God’s wisdom, righteousness and guidance for those whose decisions affect society.
NBCC said the call to pray for leaders affirms that believers are spiritually responsible to bring those in positions of authority before God, recognising that leadership carries immense responsibility and profoundly impacts the lives of people. It added that such prayer is rooted in God’s design for order, peace and the common good.
The council further stated that Nagaland, being a Christian-majority State, has faith as the foundation of personal life, family values and community relationships, and that corporate prayer serves as a powerful expression of unity and concern for the well-being of the land.
NBCC urged prayers for elected leaders, including the Chief Minister and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that they may receive divine wisdom beyond human understanding in discharging their responsibilities. It also called for prayers for the Assembly session and its deliberations on laws, policies and decisions that shape the future of the State, and for leaders to be granted discernment, clarity, humility, integrity and accountability.
The council encouraged believers to replace criticism with intercession and frustration with compassion, trusting God to work in the hearts and minds of those in authority. It also appealed for prayers that leaders be protected from self-interest, pride and division, and instead be guided by a spirit of service and responsibility.
NBCC further called for earnest prayer in view of growing incidents of religious persecution in India and increasing racial hostility faced by people from Northeast India, especially in the mainland. It urged prayers for the protection of those facing threats, harassment and discrimination because of their faith or ethnic identity, and for rulers, leaders, policymakers and lawmakers to act responsibly to safeguard minorities and uphold democratic rights, constitutional freedoms and religious liberty.
Appealing to all believers to set aside time to participate in the Corporate Prayer, NBCC expressed confidence that prayer offered in faith is powerful and effective, and that as churches unite in prayer, God would guide, sustain and bless Nagaland with peace, wisdom and hope for the days ahead.