First Timothy 2:1-2 clearly instructs us to pray “for kings and all those in authority”. Every nation faces a continuous spiritual battle for political rulership. When there is no or little prayer offered for a nation before the throne of grace, the powers of darkness will work hard to influence people and gain control of governments and those in positions of authority. The consequences can be catastrophic! How then can we be faithful in praying for leaders in our nations? Who must we pray for and what should we pray for them?
Who must we pray for?
- Politicians: the president, cabinet, parliament, diplomats, prime ministers, leaders of all political parties, ambassadors.
- The legal profession: judges, advocates, lawyers, legal advisers.
- Protection services: heads of police, heads of the military and security companies.
- Spiritual leaders: pastors, ministers, priests and also for the salvation of spiritual leaders of other religions.
- Educational leaders: teachers, inspectors, lecturers, headmasters/principals, rectors.
- Cultural and social leaders: prominent persons in the entertainment and sports world, the managements of different cultural organisations, clubs and societies.
- Commercial leaders: figures of authority in the business world, finance, economy, industry, etc.
- People in authority in the media: reporters, editors, executive officials at radio and television stations, online and printed publications.
- Municipal and government officials: mayors, town clerks, executive officials, mayors, city councillors, etc.
What to pray
- Pray for them to hear the gospel in a way that will move their hearts to be saved and reconciled to God.
- Pray specifically for Christians who can witness to them until their hearts soften and become open to receive the Lord as their Saviour and King.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, of righteousness and judgment – that they will desire to let go of their sin and be set free from the power of the Evil one (John 16:8-9).
- Pray that they will desire to live lives that are pleasing to God.
- Pray for their families to be saved and become godly examples for others to follow.
- Pray for all in authority to fulfil their duties in all fairness, righteousness, kindness, wisdom and insight.
- Pray for them to experience the outpouring of God’s love in their hearts and the power of the Holy Spirit inwardly. …because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:5).
- Pray that unrepentant oppressors and leaders who keep resisting the purposes of the Lord, will be replaced by righteous leaders.
- Pray that the Lord will grant wisdom and discernment to leaders so that they will not accept advice from those with evil intent. Pray for every wicked plan and scheme, every syndicate and ungodly conspiracy to be exposed for what it is, and those responsible to be removed and replaced with godly leaders.
- Like in the time of Daniel in Babylon, there are evil forces resisting the work of God in every nation of the earth, specifically influencing what takes place in politics and government. Ephesians 6:12 says, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Pray and resist the influence of the evil powers on the lives of individuals in Jesus’ Name. Pray for strongholds to be broken over everyone holding positions of authority – so they may have a sound mind and heart to do the will of God.
- Especially lift up in prayer leaders in nations suffering much bloodshed, violence, chaos and anarchy – to seek the counsel of God to overcome these prevailing evils.
- Pray for leaders to heed the counsel and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in all they do, especially when facing challenging situations. Also pray for their interpersonal relationships with other leaders, and for their thoughts to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for all in authority from Micah 6:8 – That God will show them what is good, to act justly, to love kindness and mercy and to walk humbly with God. Pray for everyone:
- to govern fairly and do that which is right;
- to be merciful, selfless and sensitive to people’s needs;
- to be humble and realise that one day they will have to give an account to God who appointed them.
Be mindful of the following
- God is not surprised by what any person does or can do. He loves them and can guide them.
- When praying, be reminded of God’s sovereignty and omnipotence. Hold fast to the fact that it is God who appoints and removes leaders. It says in Proverbs 21:1, The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
- Keep an eye on the daily news to gain understanding of matters needing prayer.
- Write down the names of people in authority God puts on your heart to pray for on a regular basis.
- Regardless of how we feel, the Lord commands us to pray for all in authority according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2. The purpose of intercession for people in positions of authority is:
- that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, and
- that circumstances will be such that the gospel can move swiftly through the whole world.
