4 Reasons to Pray for Our Leaders

Many of us know the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders. But in taking a closer look at 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT), a couple of things stood out to me–actually 4 reasons to pray for our leaders. The verse says:

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

1. First: It says “all.” Not just those at the very top or the top tiers of government; this would mean all–from the top, to the local government, to leaders in our civic organizations, our workplaces, our churches, etc. This is why we should be praying for our pastors, as leaders of our churches. All also means whether we like them or agree with them or not, we are told to pray for all of them.
2. Then, one of the words used to describe “authority” is chief.  Whether we like him or not, let’s pray for our “Commander in Chief.” This is being obedient, but also, it’s to our benefit, which segue’s into the next point…
3. Next it says, “…so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.” Not so that they can live peaceful… No, so we can. Sort of sounds like if we don’t pray for our leaders, we won’t have peace in our land (or work, or church, etc.), doesn’t it?

Obviously, we should want to pray for leaders because their success is our success. But this isn’t even talking about success. It resolves that when we pray for them, it’s so we can maintain peaceful, quiet lives. This means not only the inner tranquil kind of peace, but an undisturbed or undisturbing kind of peace.

Some of the other descriptions for the Greek word for peaceful give further understanding: ease, without friction or commotion, in harmony with community. These are outcomes of not having to fight for the right to live out our faith. For example, a leader may not directly take away religious freedom, but encourages things that are against the Bible, which makes us have to stand up for what we believe. Or they may encourage persecution for sharing our faith. In contrast, when the leader allows us to follow the Bible unhindered, believers can live more peaceably, and they won’t have to challenge or disturb the status quo.

Makes me think of Proverbs 29:2 (NLT):

“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.”

      4. Finally, when we are able to live these peaceful lives, we will be marked by godliness, and this godly living gives us dignity. “In all godliness” means being devoted to God, worshiping Him unhindered–not just in ritual but living it out in every aspect of life–with nothing standing in the way, without persecution for standing up for beliefs. This results in dignity: honor and respect.

 

In summary, we must pray for our leaders so they will allow us the freedom to live out our faith in a way that will result in peace and respect.

So, in keeping with the scriptural prayers I’ve been sharing, here’s one to pray for our leaders, since this is inauguration week. Would you agree in prayer with me? And feel free to share it so others can pray it also. I find that praying Scripture gives me words when I’m not sure what to pray. I hope it helps you too.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for those who have taken on the great responsibility of leadership, from our local and federal governments, to our work places, to our churches.

            Lord, we know that You can turn our leaders’ hearts wherever You will (Proverbs 21:1). Therefore, we ask that You open our leaders’ eyes to truth and guide them in wisdom and understanding (Daniel 2:21). We pray for our leaders to seek Your guidance (Jeremiah 33:3) and the guidance of wise and godly advisors (Proverbs 15:22). May they not seek their own benefit but the good of those they lead, without tyranny, serving as examples of good for all people (1 Peter 5:2-3).

            We pray for our leaders to not be conformed to the world’s standards, and that You would transform their mind so they will follow Your will in what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). Let our leaders lead us with joy and not burden, and may they know they are accountable to You for how they lead us (Hebrews 13:17). May they lead in such a way that allows us to live out our faith in peace and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

            We pray our leaders would be above reproach, humble, fear God, trustworthy, and take no bribes (1 Peter 3:1, Luke 22:26, Exodus 18:21). Lord, strengthen them and guard them from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Help and protect them from those who would want to harm them (Psalm 20:1). Help and protect them in the spiritual battles they face (Ephesians 6:12).  Deliver them, and the United States of America, from the evil one (Matthew 6:13).

            Lord, thank you for our new leaders. Help us to continue to be thankful and faithful to pray for our leaders as You have instructed (1 Timothy 2:1-3). But help us to not put all our confidence in them because our ultimate hope for America is in You (Psalm 146:3-5).

            We thank You for Donald J. Trump and his willingness to serve and fight for America. We ask You to give Your angels charge of him to guard him in all his ways (Psalm 91:11). Let no weapon formed against him or our nation prevail (Isaiah 54:17). May grace overflow for him, and may he have everything and everyone he needs to do Your will, and may he have success in all he does (2 Corinthians 9:8). We pray he would have favor and success with God and man (Proverbs 3:4). May all go well with him and all he does prosper, even his soul (3 John 2)!

            We pray this prayer not only for our president but all the leaders with him, as well as their families.

            In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our ultimate Leader. Amen.

What would you add to this prayer?

 

If you would like to pray more scriptural prayers similar to this one, grab a copy of Pursuing Prayer for America: 21 Battle Cries for our Nation here on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Penny’s other books on prayer here.