What Does the Bible Say About Praying for Our Leaders?
Have you ever had a hard time praying for someone who is in a position of authority, with whom you don’t see eye to eye or don’t respect? Whether it’s the President of the United States or the president of the organization for which you work, God says we are to pray for our leaders.
The Bible offers clear instruction about it in 1 Timothy 2:1-4:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
Our leaders need prayer, whether we agree with their views and leadership style, or not. We may not get to choose our leader or their position on the issues we care about, but we can choose to be obedient to the Lord and cover them in prayer. Instead of complaining, we can surrender our emotions and let the power of prayer take over. We never saw Jesus calling people to activism or rebellion against the Roman leaders who would ultimately kill Him.
Our leaders need God’s help. When we remember just how imperfect we ourselves are and that we need God’s mercy and grace every day, it’s a bit easier to pray for the imperfect men and women who lead us.
When we pray for our leaders, we take part in advancing God’s kingdom on this earth. Remember that all people in power have been allowed to be placed there by God. Romans 13:1-2 tells us:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Here are some of the ways we can pray for those in leadership:
Pray that their decisions and influence would have a positive impact on our cities, churches, laws, businesses, schools, culture, and more.
Pray that they will be given Godly counsel and be surrounded by God-fearing advisors.
Pray that they will value honesty, integrity and loyalty.
Pray that they will be humble and teachable, and made willing to consider God’s will for their leadership.
If our leaders do not have a biblical worldview, pray for their minds and hearts to become aligned with God’s Word and will, and for them to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Remember that God even worked His will through some really terrible and evil rulers in the Bible. We can be at peace in spite of terrible, evil, and unbelieving leaders, when we trust that God is in control of everything. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:38, emphasis added). “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
When we pray for our leaders, we’re praying that God’s will be done on this earth, even through bad leaders. It’s also important to remember that there’s a spiritual battle going on that is beyond the control of the leader we are struggling with. We're fighting a spiritual war with an enemy whose primary tactic is deception.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
The simple act of praying for those in authority, be they in government, business or at your church, can help them step into God’s will for their lives. You also may find that once you commit to praying for those leaders whose views or attitudes are different than your own, your heart toward them softens. And you will find peace knowing that ultimately God is in control, and His will and plan will be accomplished.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LISTENING TO OR SIGNING UP TO RECEIVE A LINK TO MY WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY PODCAST, GO TO MY WEBSITE AT WWW.LARRYODONNELL.COM UNDER THE PODCAST TAB.