PRAYING FOR LEADERS

How aware are you of current events? How much do you know about the officials that are ruling over your community and country? If you’re like me, you might not know very much and you’re not very happy with what you do know. The whole world is in a strange time and some of us are greatly affected by the decisions being made by governing authorities. But what can I do to help make positive change? Not only do I live a very busy life full of church, friends, and family, I am part of the political minority in my area. Even if I wanted and had the time to get involved in politics, it would be very challenging because in spite of living in the freest country in the world, my specific location is inundated by people who hold views majorly contrary to what I believe. Usually I just ignore everything. But there is something we can do. Whether you live in a free country, a closed country, or in a community where you are a minority as a Christian, you can pray. Our countries need prayer. Our leaders need prayer.

Paul talked about how important it is to pray for our leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He singles out people in leadership positions. They need extra prayer because the decisions they make affect way more people.

If we want a peaceful and quiet life, we should be praying for our leaders. Praying doesn’t guarantee we will have peace! Remember that Paul was speaking to a church that was already being persecuted. Paul himself would be incarcerated for the sake of the gospel. His prayers for leadership definitely did not result in what we would expect to be a peaceful life! He also would not have had freedom to change the government because Rome didn’t have a democratic system like some countries today. But just like prayer aids someone who is sick even if they don’t recover, prayer for leaders is still helpful even if we have to deal with persecution. In fact, prayer for leaders is sometimes the only thing we can do. Just like you wouldn’t stop praying for healing even if the doctors have done what they can, you don’t stop praying for leaders just because they might not change in your lifetime. God calls us to pray and through prayer He can give us peace even in the most tumultuous days of our lives.

It’s also important that we view the government as individual people. A big glob that controls us can’t be changed. But people can be saved and changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. It would be wise to know the names of your leaders. Not just your president or king, but your mayor, governor, etc. It’s interesting that in 1 Tim. 2:1-4 Paul says it’s good to pray for all people because it is pleasing in God’s sight because He desires all to be saved. We can and should pray for the individuals in the government to be saved because that’s what God desires.

So how can we pray for our leaders? Start by learning names. Maybe you just keep track of your city for a while and then add your county or state or region. Find out when your local government has regularly scheduled decision meetings and add a reminder onto your calendar to pray at that time. Or have a designated time each week that you go through your list. Either way, don’t succumb to complaining and apathy when you already have the perfect tool to help bring change: prayer.

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