Praying for those in authority isn’t always something that comes naturally to us, especially when it’s a leader we don’t agree with – or even like. However, the Bible is clear that as followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to pray for our leaders – whether we align with them or not. But why does it matter that we pray for those in authority, and what does the Bible say about it?
The Biblical command to pray for those in authority
One of the most direct commands about praying for leaders comes from 1 Timothy 2:1-2:
"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."
In this passage, Paul encourages followers of Jesus to pray for everyone – including kings and others in positions of authority. You might notice this verse doesn’t specify which authority figures to pray for, and that’s on purpose! What Paul is getting at is that we shouldn’t be discriminatory with our prayers – every leader is deserving of them, and every leader can benefit from them.
Why pray for those in authority?
Praying for those in authority isn’t a mere suggestion; it’s one of the ways we live out our faith. Here are some key reasons why, as followers of Jesus, we’re called to pray for our leaders:
It reminds us that God is in control
By praying for those in authority, we’re inviting God to work in situations that we often have little control over – like elections, legislative decisions, and other government functions. Proverbs 21:1 tells us that God can guide the hearts of kings “like a stream of water,” “wherever he pleases.” When we pray for leaders, we’re praying that God will move their hearts just like the Bible tells us he can!
It makes us more compassionate
While government leaders and other authority figures have a great deal of influence, they’re still people, just like us. And all people need God’s wisdom. When we pray for leaders, it reminds us of their humanity and increases our compassion for them. At the end of the day each person in authority is someone God created, knows, and loves deeply – and they’re someone Jesus died for (John 3:16).
It obeys the teachings of Jesus
Jesus calls us to love and pray for all people, even the ones the world tells us should be our enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" Jesus calls us to pray for those in authority even when it’s hard, and to trust that God is working in ways we can’t always see.
How to pray for those in authority
If you're ready to start putting God’s call into action and pray for those in authority, here are some simple but powerful ways you can pray:
- Pray for wisdom – Ask God to give leaders wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that impact others (James 1:5).
- Pray for integrity – That they would lead with honesty and moral conviction.
- Pray for protection – That God would protect them from harm and steer them away from temptations that could negatively impact their leadership.
- Pray for unity – That in times of division and conflict, their leadership would help us stay united.
- Pray for humility – That they would lead with selflessness and listen to the wise voices in their circle (as well as God’s voice).
Praying for those in authority isn’t always easy to do, but it’s a powerful way to demonstrate that we trust God with the leaders he’s placed in our lives. As you pray for those in authority, remember that God’s always working – both in their hearts and in ours.
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