Why Should I Pray for my Leaders?

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” 
1 Timothy 2:3-5 (NIV)

Have you ever struggled to pray for someone? Maybe you weren’t sure what to say because the situation was so complex. Or it could be that someone said something that hurt you or you just plain don’t like someone. When the Bible encourages us to pray for elected leaders, you might be wondering how you can do that if you don’t agree with their politics. 

In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul shows you the answer. Prayer pleases God and helps bring about His purpose for all people to be saved and know Him. When you pray for your leaders, you help release God’s good plans for all people. Here are four reasons why you need to pray for our leaders:

1. Prayer is Commanded by God’s Word: The Word of God makes it abundantly clear that God expects you to pray for your leaders. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). God’s word also teaches you what to pray. Consider these specific prayer points for your leaders:

• Pray for God to turn the hearts of your leaders toward righteousness and holiness. (Proverbs 21:1)
• Pray that your political leaders would seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)
• Pray that your leaders would live exemplary lives. (Proverbs 31:4-5)
• Pray that your leaders would faithfully promote what is just, right, and fair in the sight of God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

2. Prayer Pleases God: In the two verses preceding today’s passage found in 1 Timothy 2:3-5, Paul instructs the church to pray for kings and all those in authority, for it “pleases God our Savior.” When you pray for your leaders, you demonstrate that what is important to God, is important to you. And your heart pleases Him.

3. Prayer Honors God’s Authority: You’ll notice in these verses, “For there is one God.” Not every ruler is anointed by God, but every ruler is appointed by God. When you pray to God on behalf of your leaders, you recognize His authority over all. See what the Word of God says: 

• “Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” (Psalm 75:5-7, NIV)
• “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:21, NIV)
• “The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.” (Daniel 4:17, NIV)

4. Prayer Changes Things: What difference do your prayers make? You can influence the nation more through supplication than Congress can by legislation. Laws and lawmakers come and go. But your God remains the same, ready to act on your prayers. Listen to what the Bible says: 

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (1 Chronicles 7:14) 

God promises to hear your prayers and act upon them. You will not answer for the decisions any political leader makes, but you will answer to God as to whether you prayed for them. Why not pray for them now?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the leaders of my city. Thank You for their unique gifts and abilities. Thank You for the calling You have on their lives. Father, I pray that each one will turn their hearts to You, living in holiness and integrity. May they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Grace each one to live a life of example, leading in thought, speech and action. Give them wisdom and understanding, that each decision would faithfully promote what is just, right and fair in Your eyes. 

I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.